Kaleigh Walker Career Empowerment, Great Educators, Student Success

Empowering Creativity: Farragut Middle’s Innovative Print Shop

At Farragut Middle School, there’s a new, cutting-edge Print Shop program that’s changing the way students engage with their education.

Thanks to the vision of FMS administration and Brian Fogarty, a former math and science teacher turned creative leader, the school is embracing the challenge of bringing real-world experiences to these 6th- through 8th-graders. 

“They’re designing, producing, marketing, and budgeting,” Fogarty said. “The students are doing everything themselves in the shop.”

The program is hands-on from day one. Students dive into every aspect of the process, from brainstorming designs to operating equipment like silkscreen presses and heat presses. 

Fogarty is passionate about giving students real-world experiences, saying, “It’s all about giving them an opportunity. They’re going to mess up, but that’s part of learning.”

Students in 6th grade begin with a career awareness course where they are introduced to different areas in the industry, and they start career exploration in 7th grade before choosing their “department” for 8th grade. 

“For a lot of them, this class has really helped to give them an outlet to show their creativity and be successful,” Fogarty reflects. “They’re shining stars here.”

The Print Shop isn’t just about making posters and T-shirts; it’s about teaching valuable skills like communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Students learn to work with customers, manage finances, and market their products. Fogarty envisions a future where students take these skills and run with them, whether starting their own Etsy stores or pursuing careers in design.

As the program continues to evolve, Fogarty is excited about the possibilities. From expanding partnerships with high schools to exploring new technologies like 3D printing, the Print Shop is just getting started. 

“We’re giving them a little taste of everything,” Fogarty says with a smile. “Who knows where they’ll take it?”

In a world where creativity and innovation are more valuable than ever, Farragut Middle School’s Print Shop is leading the way. Thanks to dedicated educators like Brian Fogarty, the next generation of designers, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers is already hard at work, shaping the future, one print at a time.

Kaleigh Walker Community Partners

Miss Patty Shares School Bus Safety Tips and Encourages Community to Answer the Call

Students at schools in Farragut call her Miss Patty, the lady who drives the big yellow school bus.

Patty Braden, a retiree who followed her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons to Tennessee from California, decided two years ago that she wanted to return to work. Her daughter suggested becoming a school bus driver.

“I thought, ‘Could I drive a school bus?’ Well, I knew I love kids,” she said. “I interviewed, got the job, went to school, and here I am. I love it!”

She especially loves connecting with different age groups and getting to know the names of all 60+ kids each year. She tells them “Happy Birthday” and decorates the bus with holiday decorations. Students sing songs together and share stories on the PA system.

“We have a diverse group of children,” Braden said. “Last year, we learned to count to ten in Chinese, Polish, French, Russian, and Spanish. We just have fun!”

As much fun as she and her passengers have each day, she stresses safety for a tragic reason. Braden lost a young family member due to a car failing to follow school bus laws.

Morgan was crossing the street to get on a bus that was stopped with flashing lights and an extended stop sign. An oncoming car sped past the bus and struck her. 

It is for this reason Braden, like so many others, emphasizes the importance of safety, especially during National School Bus Safety Week. 

In her bus, she ensures cars from all directions are at a complete stop before opening the doors to let students off. 

“I’m probably a little extra cautious when my kids are getting on and off the bus,” Braden said. “We all have busy lives, but people in vehicles have to stop.”

In addition to advocating for school bus safety, she also encourages more people to become bus drivers. Drivers have hours of free time between runs, days off when students are off, and work with amazing students each day. 

“This is giving back to the kids of our futures. We need drivers just like the schools need aids,” Braden said. “Come do a ride-along on a bus to see if you’d like it. We’ll show you what we do. It’s not that bad; it’s actually that good!”

Learn more about how to be a safe driver around school buses here, and find more information about how to become a driver here!