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CHEATHAM COUNTY - MARCH - APRIL 2026

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It is well known in Cheatham County, Tennessee, that A. O. Smith purchased State Industries (State Stove) which was one of the largest water heater manufacturing companies in the US. A.O. Smith is more than a water heater manufacturing company. A. O. Smith has been in operation for over 140 years having started in 1874 by Charles Jeremiah Smith. From a simple shoe last to fabricating baby carriage and bicycle parts in the 1800s, the ‘roots’ of A.O. Smith over generations has grown into a global manufacture for many industries: automotive, oil and gas, breweries, transportation, military, agriculture, residential retail, elevators, and so many more.

As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring begin to show, our schools feel a renewed sense of energy and possibility. This season always reminds us that growth happens gradually, with patience and steady effort — much like your own learning. From the desk of Stacy Brown, Director of CC Schools

RUFF! Plus puzzles, activities & much more!

In the coming weeks, you’ll begin important academic work and state testing. I know this can feel challenging, but I also

SCHOOL CALENDARS IT’S SCIENCE Fur & Static Electricity CHARACTER BEAR

4-5

know how capable you are. Stay focused, give your best each day and trust the skills you’ve built throughout the year. Your teachers and staff believe in you, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Spring is a time of bright futures, and each of you is building one of your own. Keep working hard, stay curious and continue to show the determination that makes our schools proud. Remember that every bit of effort you invest now helps open doors to the bright future ahead of you.

KIDS COOK’n - Peanut Butter Banana Bites DOG SUPERPOWERS 8-9 WHAT KIND OF A DOG ARE YOU? 10 KIDS LIKE YOU 11 Puerto Rico Kids Across/Teachers Down 12 WILD THINGS DOGS 14 KIDS CHANGE THE WORLD 15 SCIENCE PROJECTS Back Cover

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PUBLISHER / EDITOR Debbie Keenan The Keenan Group, Inc. P.O. Box 458 / Pleasant View, TN 37146 615-746-2443 debbiekeenan2010@gmail.com ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Heather K. Wolfe heather@wolfecreativearts.com The Keenan Group, Inc. P.O. Box 458 / Pleasant View, TN 37146 615-746-2443

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Dance • Tumbling Visual Arts classes 615-681-7172 theartalliance.org Serving Pleasant View, Ashland City, Coopertown, Sango, & surrounding cities.

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2511 Highway 49 Pleasant View, TN.

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Our mission at Regents Medical Center is to improve the health of our community by providing quality personalized health care to all people in a caring family environment. Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 2:00pm regentsmedical.com call or text 615-746-0203

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It’s Science! Fur + Static Electricity

Materials Needed:

Instructions:

Source:https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Elec_p017/electricity-electronics/static-electricity

What is Character? "Character" is sort of a catch-all word that describes your characteristic traits. If someone says you have character, it usually means that you are honorable and honest, have integrity, are courageous, and are reliable and responsible. Poor character On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are students who lie, cheat, or steal. They may also be lazy, unreliable or inconsiderate of others. Character Counts Being a student of good character is important in your relationship with your teachers and other students, as well as your own self-worth. If you are known as an honest and honorable student, as well as a person who is reliable and responsible, you will be respected by those with whom you deal. Fellow students, teachers and your parents will trust you, know they can depend on you, and want you involved in their activities.

GREETINGS!

DARE TO D.A.R.E.! Dogs can teach us a lot about being

need it, we should respect each other’s feelings too. When we choose friends who are caring and trustworthy, everyone feels happier. Be kind, be safe, and choose friends who help you be your best. BE SAFE AND BE RESPONSIBLE

good friends. A good dog is kind, loyal, and makes us feel safe—just like a good friend should.

Making safe and responsible choices means choosing friends who use kind words, respect rules, and don’t pressure us to do things that feel wrong. Just like we give dogs space when they

For more information: Sergeant Kasey Fitts at: kasey.fitts@tn.gov or (615) 854-5675 D.A.R.E Coordinator Tennessee

Kids Across

Teachers Down

1. The concrete path that a dog and his person walk on when they take a walk 4. It’s what a dog runs to check at dinnertime 6. Droopy, like a beagle’s ears (or like a lady’s sun hat with a very wide brim) 8. Puppy chuckle: What did the dog in say when he felt raindrops falling on his head while he was lying in his doghouse? “Oh, no! I think there’s a hole in my _____!” 9. It’s the two-word phrase every puppy loves (because it often comes with a treat): “____ dog!” 10. Face it: Almost every dog’s ____ is black 11. If a dog barks into the canyon and the canyon barks back, it’s actually just an ____ 14. The hard leather part on the bottom of a pair of shoes (that might be irresistible to a puppy who chews) 17. Chomped on some kibble 18. It’s the first command that most dogs learn 19. This sweet, brown treat that people often eat should never be eaten by dogs 21. Muddy puppy: After a pooch steps in a puddle, this body part might leave a print on the floor 22. Want to rescue a rescue?: A dog without a home could be a perfect addition to yours 23. A dog’s super-sensitive 10 Across makes this his sharpest sense (Funky fact: It’s the same sense that lets you know your dog has had a nasty meeting with a skunk!)

1. With just one sniff, a bloodhound can pick it up and follow it 2. Pomeranian’s preferred seat (or what his tongue will do to water to quench his thirst) 3. Oz-bound terrier 5. Delicious contents of a doggy bag, they are tomorrow’s reminder of today’s tasty meal 6. President Trump is the ____ president in over a century not to have a dog in the White House 7. Since this curly-topped breed never sheds, it requires regular trips to the groomer 10. Though its name might make a person think it’s hosted in London, the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show is historically held in this city’s Madison Square Garden (abbr.) 12. Here’s a rhyme for fretful times: A person who feels nervous might bite her nails, but dog that feel anxious might chase their ____ 13. Irritating feeling a flea leaves behind 14. The only four-legged friend in the Peanuts gang 15. “Titanic” actor DiCaprio with a cat- like nickname, who spent much of 2020 quarantined with his girlfriend and her rescue dog named Jack 16. What a dog does after a bath that can give his owner an unexpected shower 18. Hush Puppies are a brand of classic suede _____ (and human treats made of fried balls of cornbread) 20. Animated classic whose title promises pooches everywhere an eternally happy ending: “____ Dogs Go to Heaven”

RUFF RUFF!

SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

March and April derive their names from ancient Roman traditions, originally based on a ten-month calendar How did MARCH & APRIL get their names?

starting in March. March was named after Mars, the Roman god of war, as it was the time to resume military campaigns, while April likely stems from the Latin aperire (“to open”), referring to spring flowers and buds opening.

Be the Pollution Solution!

You can make a difference by picking up trash, keeping litter out of reach of pets, and reminding others to clean up after themselves. When the ground is clean, dogs can play, sniff, and stay healthy.

RESULTS from page 10

Mostly A’s – Labrador Retriever You’re active, friendly, and always ready for adventure! Mostly B’s – German Shepherd Brave, loyal, and a natural leader.

Mostly C’s – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Gentle, loving, and everyone’s favorite cuddle buddy. Mostly D’s – Border Collie Super smart and always thinking ahead!

Wild Dogs of the Past Long before dogs slept on couches, played fetch, or wore collars, they were wild animals. These early dogs lived in forests, plains, and snowy lands all around the world. What Were Wild Dogs Like? Wild dogs looked similar to wolves and foxes. They had sharp senses, strong legs, and thick fur to help them survive. Instead of living with people, they lived in packs, which are family groups that work together. How Did They Survive? Wild dogs had to find their own food. They hunted small animals, scavenged leftovers, and traveled long distances to survive. Working as a team helped them stay safe and successful. How Did Dogs Become Our Friends? Over time, some wild dogs began staying near humans. They found food scraps and protection, and humans found the dogs helpful. Slowly, wild dogs changed into the many kinds of domestic dogs we know today. Learning about wild dogs helps us understand where pets came from and why dogs still love to run, sniff, and play in groups. Even today, your dog carries a little bit of that wild history inside them!

Did You Know? Wild dogs lived on Earth thousands of years before humans had pets. Super Scent! Their noses were (and still are!) much stronger than humans’ noses. Old Habits. Even today, pet dogs still show wild habits—like digging, chasing, and playing together! Nose Print A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human fi ngerprint. Sweet Dreams Dogs dream when they sleep—those little leg twitches are part of it! Who dat? Every dog has a different bark, just like people have different voices. Fun Facts Source: Source: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/dog

What Can You Do?

Eighth-grader Sarah Buckel wanted a locker that was as colorful and attractive as those of the kids on the Disney Channel, but she dreaded having to peel the paper off at the end of the year. Just as she was dealing with this conundrum, her father became CEO of a company that manufactured magnetic business cards. Inspiration struck, and magnetic locker paper was born. Fast forward one year and Sarah had netted $1 million, which she used to buy the company with her family and expand her product range. Not bad for a kid who hadn’t even started college.

1993, Abbey Fleck was just eight years old when she witnessed her mother chastising her father for using part of a newspaper to soak up bacon grease. Her father maintained that without paper towels, the newspaper was the next best solution. After all, he couldn’t simply let it drip. That was all the inspiration that Abbey needed to invent the Makin’ Bacon Dish, which would hang bacon in the microwave so that fat could drip off. She and her father founded a company, and in 1996, Walmart placed their first order: 100,000 cookers. Not bad for an eight-year-old!

Kelly Reinhart’s parents had an innovative game they used to entertain their children: draw an invention. Kelly took inspiration for her sketch from cowboy holsters. She came up with the idea for the Thigh Pack, a product that would help kids carry video games and similar items. By age nine, she was chairperson of her own company, TPak International, and had close to $1 million worth of orders. There was even interest from Pentagon officials, who thought the Thigh Pack could be of use to soldiers, so Kelly met with them —and indeed the then president, George W. Bush —

to discuss her iAnvention. Kelly attended college classes at Merrimack College, which gave her a special grant to attend classes for free. In addition, she started a foundation for kids who wish to pursue their dreams, and she’s also authored a book, “This Little Pack Goes to the Market,” which she hopes will help kids to realize that “every idea is a good idea.” “The advice I can give to other kids is let their parents know or an adult that they have an idea,” Kelly said. “If the adult does not pursue anything with it, then put the idea in a folder for a later day until old enough to bring up again or when they know who to approach.”

teachers

STUDENTS

Anti-Litter Classroom Projects - March / april - Science projects These classroom / homeschool project ideas can be used in any grade by altering projects. Use what ideas you can from these lesson plans and incorporate your own anti- litter activities, too. Thanks for teaching kids how they can make a difference in keeping our community clean and our state grand! the degree of difficulty you assign to the

RESEARCH PROJECTS: Research how litter affects the environment. Record your findings within guidelines.

Help students find materials that will give them adequate information to complete their research projects. Students can use the resources your library provides or research topics on the Internet (from credible sources.) Tell your students how you want them to record their findings. Help students research ideas related to litter. You might also send a letter home to the parents; they might want to be involved and help their children with their projects. Check out books from your school’s library geared to young inventors. Students can research the reasons people litter and invent items to discourage littering. Plant trees and flowers around school grounds: Ask local nurseries or your school administration to donate trees or flowers to your school. When planting trees, seek guidance from experts to ensure the best chance for survival. Remind students to wear clothing that can get dirty. If possible, give them latex or garden gloves to wear while they are planting or ask them to bring them from home. Before beginning this lesson discuss with your class how different types of potential litter are reused, recycled, or reduced. Brainstorm with your class and help them construct a list of commonly littered items. Encourage students to think of ways the listed items may be reused, recycled or reduced. Assist students in constructing their habitat gardens. When they are finished, discuss how they were able to reuse a pop bottle and plastic and help the environment at the same time.

SCIENCE FAIR WITH AN ANTI-LITTER THEME: Remember these science fair projects need to have an anti-litter theme. For example, students can determine the length of time it takes certain pieces of litter to decompose or the effects litter has on the earth.

INVENT ITEMS THAT DECREASE LITTER 1. Invent items to decrease litter. For example, invent items to make it easier for people to dispose of litter, or products that help different types of trash or yard waste decompose. 2. Wear clothes that can get dirty and be ready to work in the mud. Clean up an area on your school grounds and then beautify it by planting trees or flowers. You will follow your teacher’s instructions about where to plant the trees or flowers. DISCUSSING LITTER Brainstorm with your classmates and make a list of items you see littered. Discuss the negative effects each type of litter has on the environment. From a positive perspective, give examples of how each item may be reused, recycled, or reduced. MAKING YOUR OWN HABITAT GARDEN Make your own habitat garden by using a two-liter plastic soda bottle and plastic wrap. Cut the bottle in half and put a small amount of dirt in the bottom of the bottle. Place a small plant into the dirt, along with some pill bugs. Put a piece of plastic wrap on top of the section of the bottle with the plant inside. Now poke small holes through the plastic and reattach the top half of the bottle (you had previously cut off ) back onto the lower half of the bottle that is holding the plant. Tape the two halves together. You now have a completed habitat garden.

Litter can carry germs and sharp pieces that can injure dogs. Dusty or smelly litter can also make it hard for dogs to breathe or feel comfortable. The Sad Truth

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