Related Arts/ Specials

Our related arts classes or specials, as we call them, are weekly classes students attend to enhance their learning and explore talents outside the classes. We believe that students need a well rounded education, and their academic achievement benefits from these classes. Every week students attend art, music, physical education, guidance, and library. Each of our teachers serving in these areas are highly qualified and hold master’s degrees in their speciality.

Meet out team:

Ms. Leigha Austin

Leigha Austin - Music Teacher
  • BA in Music Education from Carson-Newman University
  • I have taught in Blount County since 2010.
  • I have 2 dogs named Spock and Bones.
  • I am a member of Knoxville Choral Society and Knoxville Chamber Chorale.
  • My favorite music to sing is jazz and show tunes.
  • I enjoy anything Star Trek, bowling, Jeopardy, and Tennessee Football.

Classroom Library

Mrs. Samantha Baldwin

Samantha Baldwin - Physical Education Teacher

  • Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (Ed.S.)
  • Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University (M.S. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Science in Education from Middle Tennessee State University (B.S. Ed.)
  • I have 25 years of teaching experience- 15 in the regular education classroom (Sevier County),8 years teaching P.E. (Sevier County), and 2 years teaching P.E. in Blount County.
  • I am married to Randy Baldwin, teacher/athletic director at Union Grove Middle School, and we have a son named Jackson (9).
  • I enjoy spending time with my family, teaching Sunday School at Sevier Heights, reading & meeting with my Lit Chicks book club, swimming, and walking.

Classroom Library

Mrs. Sheryl Connelly

Sheryl Connelly - Guidance Counselor

  • 20+ years of experience in the corporate sector
  • Founding Operations Director of two elementary charter schools in New York City
  • Realized my lifelong dream and earned my teaching degree (Elementary Education) in January 2020
  • Mother of 6, Mother in Law of 3 (hoping for 4 soon enough), Grandmother of 4.
    Wife of Tim, Retiree, Handyman and Husband Extraordinaire - probably should have put him higher on the list!
  • Love to read, practice my languages, poorly do yoga and begrudgingly visit the gym with my husband
  • Excited about serving our students, teachers and staff; and becoming part of the Rockford Community!

Classroom Library

Mrs. Renee Davis

Mrs. Renee Davis–Art

  • I began my teaching career in 1991 with Loudon County Schools. I have been a full-time teacher with Blount County Schools since 1997.
  • I am certified in Special Education K-12 and Elementary Education 1-8. (Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville; University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
  • I am a native Blount Countian, and graduated from Heritage High School.
  • I am married, and this year we celebrated our 30th anniversary!
  • We have two sons. My oldest son is a senior at Tennessee Tech University. My younger son is currently a junior at Heritage High.
  • We have a Black and Tan Coon Hound. Her name is Molly Mahoney.
  • I most enjoy time with my family. We enjoy church at Valley Grove Baptist. We love to travel. We hope to visit Washington State, Oregon, and California next summer!

Mrs. Trudy Woods

Trudy Woods - Art Teacher

  • BA in Child Development with Teacher Licensure from Maryville College
    Art Endorsement from the University of Tennessee
  • 15 years teaching experience
  • Married to Rob, a Maryville Firefighter, with 2 children – Reid and Leia, and family weenie dog, Winnie
  • I enjoy spending time with family, drawing, recreating Pinterest ideas for friends, reading and vacuuming.

Mrs. Jennifer Walker

Jennifer Walker - Library Media Specialist Teacher

  • AS in Early Childhood Education from Pellissippi State Technical College
  • BA in Human Development and Elementary Education from Tusculum College
  • Master's of Library Science from MTSU
  • I came to Rockford in 2015. I taught 4th grade reading and social studies before moving to the library.
  • From 2011 - 2015 I taught at Tennessee Virtual Academy. I was part of the inaugural staff that opened the first online public school. I taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grade there.
  • I am married with two sons. My husband’s name is Lynn. My boys are all grown up - Benjamin and Matthew. We also have a dog, CJ.
    See what's happening in the library media center on Twitter @JennWalkerRES or on the library page.

Classroom Library