Julie Smith is transitioning into her new role as the School Coordinated Health Supervisor for the Putnam County Schools after working at Cookeville High School for nearly 25 years.
Smith said her goal is holistic approach to physical and mental health and wellness support for students and staff of the system. Smith said when student’s mental and physical well-being is secured first, academic success will follow.
“It truly takes buy-in from coordinators, from teachers, administrators as well as community support,” Smith said. “I hope to be a liaison between our community as well because there are a lot of resources that our school system counts on.”
As an educator, Smith said she was motivated by the “big picture” of how a district can support all aspects of a student’s life. Whether its the schedule, curriculum or graduation requirements, or just day-to-day routines, Smith said she carefully observes her students and the schools they attend to see which areas need improvement.
“When kids come to school and they’re healthy, they’re safe, they feel well about themselves, they have a good self-image, they know that they have support at their school,” Smith said. “That one or two adults even just to talk to and be able to confide in… I think investing in student health will invest in our future overall and strengthen our community.”
Smith said the move is bittersweet. As a Cookeville High alumni, Smith spent over half her life at her hometown high school before accepting a new position.
In just her first two weeks on the job, Smith said she is still learning the ropes and making introductions. After that, Smith said she will welcome feedback on how to strengthen the support program.
“We have wonderful educators in our system,” Smith said.
“I think listening to them, listening to their highs and their lows, their needs, their success stories, their struggles, that’s my goal for this job.”
In nearly three decades spent in education, Smith said she learned the value of communication between students and staff, and pointed to teamwork and collaboration as one of the most important assets.
Smith said she will continue to invest in student health and well being as a top priority and takes pride in being a trusted adult at school that students can confide in.
“If everyone’s working toward the common goal, and supporting that whole goal, then that child is going to be supported and be successful,” Smith said.
This weekend, PCSSTN will hold the Festival of Movement at Tennessee Tech University — a long-held, free event at Hooper Eblen Center for students emphasizing the value of physical education.
Doors at Hooper Center will open on Friday at 4:30 p.m.on McGee Boulevard.