HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton, Communications Director
The Henry County School System (HCSS) recently took center stage to help educators across Tennessee navigate the post-pandemic classroom.
As part of a high-level training program hosted by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS), local leaders from Henry County shared their proven strategies for supporting students’ mental health, physical wellness, and family connections.
The Henry County team include Ashley James, Henry Elementary Principal; Laura Manning, Henry Elementary School Counselor; Dale Mathis, HCHS and District Threat Assessment Counselor; and Darlene Russell, Family Resource Center Director. The team was chosen to lead sessions for the Associate Leadership Institute, a virtual gathering of school leaders from across the state. TOSS Assistant Executive Director Wanda Shelton praised the group, noting, “The Henry County team was a perfect example of the work a quality team can accomplish.”
Since 2020, schools nationwide have seen a shift in how students socialize and manage emotions. HCSS leaders addressed these changes head-on by sharing several "best practice" initiatives currently working in our local schools:
• Building Community: Prioritizing relationship-building and "restorative" practices over simple discipline.
• Predictable Environments: Using "Healthy Habit" frameworks to reduce student anxiety through consistent daily routines.
• Nutritional Support: Ensuring every student is ready to learn by providing free breakfast and lunch for all.
• Staff Empowerment: Equipping teachers with the tools to help students through emotional hurdles in real-time.
By sharing these insights statewide, Henry County is leading the way in turning schools into hubs of community support. The goal is simple: ensure every child feels safe, healthy, and ready to succeed at school every day.
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Photo by Ashley James: Screen image of virtual meeting with HCSS staff including, Henry Elementary principal, Ashley James, HCHS counselor, Dale Mathis, Family Resource Director, Darlene Russell, Henry Elementary School counselor, Laura Manning, and TOSS executive, Wanda Shelton.