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931-526-1604Your health and wellbeing are critical to living a productive, normal life. That's why it's so important to have a reliable health care provider that you can call on, who has your best interests at heart, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes, though, change is necessary. You may have decided to switch health care providers for a number of reasons like new insurance coverage, unhappiness with your current provider, or even medical malpractice. Whatever your reasons, choosing a new health care provider is a serious one. An MD may be qualified to practice medicine, but that doesn't mean they're a good match for your needs. They may not have the empathy, experience, or expertise that you need in your life.
If you're like most people, you need a health care provider who is qualified in their field and offers exemplary guidance: an unbiased figure you can lean on for any kind of medical advice. The truth is, however, that not all health care providers go above and beyond the "call of duty" to ensure their patients feel valued, respected, and comfortable.
Fortunately, Chris Archer, ANP-C, has built his career on providing his patients with professional, personalized medical services in Cookeville. If you live in Tennessee, and need a trustworthy medical team that specializes medical services like primary care and urgent care, look no further than Primary Care & Occupational Health Center.
What makes our health center stand out from other medical practices? In short, it's all about the quality of care that we provide to our valued patients. We pride ourselves on:
- Strict Adherence to Medical Guidelines
- Communication
- Organization
- Empathy
- Collaboration
- Advocating for Our Patients
- Personable Care
Chris Archer ANP-C
I am excited and honored to join the Primary Care & Occupational Health Center practice and I personally look forward to serving you.
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Primary Care in Cookeville, TN
To some, primary care might seem like an ambiguous term. What does primary care actually mean, and what exactly is a primary care provider? In the simplest terms, primary care means general medical care. A primary care provider (or PCP) specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing ailments and conditions that affect a patient's health. Some primary care health care providers focus on specific areas of medicine, like internal and family medicines.
You can think of primary care providers like the quarterbacks of healthcare. Much like a quarterback passing a ball, the PCP makes sure patients get the appropriate care, in the correct setting, by the most qualified care provider. They always do so in a way that aligns with the patient's needs and values. Typically, your primary care health care provider will be your first point of contact in Cookeville's medical system.
Why is Primary Care Important?
Through regular checkups, primary care treatment can prevent serious problems from happening in the first place. Statistically, adults who see their primary care health care providers regularly lower their odds of premature death by 19%, compared to adults that only see specialists. Seeing a PCP isn't just a good idea on the surface - studies show that regular checkups actually prolong your life.
If a longer life weren't enough reason to consider primary care services in Cookeville, think about your bank account. According to a study, adults who use their primary care provider save as much as 33% more on medical bills than people who only see specialists. Primary care also helps save money by keeping you out of the emergency room, where medical care can be more than 4x as much as outpatient care. In one North Carolina ER, health care providers found that patients could have saved 700% or more had they received care from a PCP instead of going to the emergency room.
Additionally, primary care providers can catch and treat problems at their outset, which often happens during annual checkups. Catching an illness early is always preferable to catching an advanced illness, from both a health and financial standpoint.
At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center in Cookeville, we specialize in several facets of primary care, including:
- Annual Physical and Wellness Exams
- Fevers
- Headaches and Migraines
- Allergies
- Bladder Infections
- Asthma
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Flu and Colds
- Viral Illnesses
- Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Nausea
- Bronchitis and Pneumonia
- Sore Throat
- Skin Conditions
- Sinus Problems and Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Respiratory Infections
- Respiratory Infections
- Physicals for Sports and General Wellness
Whether you're ready to switch today or have questions about our primary care services, Chris Archer and his team of professionals are here to help.
Whether you're ready to switch today or have questions about our primary care services, Chris Archer and his team of professionals are here to help.
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Urgent Care in Cookeville, TN
By definition, urgent care gives medical care to individuals who have non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The goal of urgent care is to get the patient in the front door of the facility, treated by a health care provider or nurse practitioner, and sent on their way with little to no recovery time. Urgent care is fantastic for busy people who need help when they have minor injuries or illnesses like a cut or a cold.
Urgent care facilities in Cookeville are often more convenient for patients who don't have the time to visit their primary care provider or do not have a PCP. Urgent care is also a great choice for people that need attention immediately but know that their situation isn't dire enough to go to the emergency room. With urgent care services, patients can get the treatments they need the most and get them quickly. In fact, according to the Urgent Care Association of America, around 92% of urgent care facilities reported wait times less than 30 minutes
If you have are sick with a cold or have a minor injury that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, our urgent care facility is here to serve you. We specialize in many different urgent care needs, such as:
- General Injury and Medical Care
- Colds and Flues
- Coughs and Sore Throats
- High Fevers
- Earaches
- Eye Infections
- Sinus Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Lab Tests
- Minor Back Injuries
- Seasonal Allergies
- Asthma Episodes
- Minor Burns
- Minor Cuts and Lacerations
- Stitching and Bonding
- Sports Sprains and Injuries
We go out of our way to deliver the level of care and compassion we would want for our own families.
Schedule AppointmentAt Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, your health is our highest priority. When you visit our location, you will be greeted by our personable admin staff, who will help you with the sign-in process and get you set up for treatment. With modern technology and an industry-leading clinical program, we look forward to providing you with an exceptional medical experience.
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Testosterone
Replacement
Therapy in Cookeville, TN
As males age, their hormone levels decline naturally, leaving many men with reduced self-confidence, increased body fat, and a decreased sex drive. For millions of males in the United States, the answer to their middle-aged problems begins with testosterone replacement therapy or TRT for short. TRT is used to optimize hormone levels, which are often imbalanced as men age. TRT has been shown to greatly improve the moderate-to-severe symptoms that are common in low-T individuals.
Hormone levels can also be inadequate in men of any age. This is due to genetic interference and abnormalities stemming from hormone receptor action through exposure to chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. While many TV commercials will tell you low testosterone symptoms begin during middle age, many adult men lose testosterone as early as their mid-20s.
If you're craving more vitality and have noticed a lack of enjoyment in your life, our TRT services in Cookeville might be a good fit for your needs. At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, all prospective TRT patients must qualify for treatment. Qualification includes comprehensive lab tests and consultations with your primary care provider.
Common Signs of Low Testosterone
Chances are, you probably know somebody that is currently on a TRT regimen but wonder yourself if you might qualify for treatment. You're probably also wondering what low T feels like. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of low testosterone:
BODY
- Extreme Fatigue
- Swollen Breasts
- Reduced Bone and Muscle Mass
- More Body Fat
- Hot Flashes
MIND
- Lack of Self-Confidence
- Depression
- Lack of Concentration
- Lack of Sleep
SEXUAL
- Difficulty Achieving Erections
- Less Spontaneous Erections
- Low Sex Drive
Many men who qualify for TRT in Cookeville, TN, can begin treatment soon after they are approved to do so. For most males, healthy testosterone levels are achieved after a couple months of treatment. For the best TRT results, it's important to strive for healthy exercise habits, stress management techniques, and diet choices.
Occupational Care in Cookeville, TN
Also called occupational medicine or occupational health, this multidisciplinary healthcare field is dedicated to the wellbeing and safety of workplace employees. The primary focus on occupational care is treating illnesses and injuries that happen in the workplace. Occupational care is also meant to help prevent workplace illnesses and injuries by fostering a safer work environment.
At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, our occupational care services can result in:
- Lower Insurance Premiums
- Reduced Costs Stemming from Workplace Accidents
- Improved Safety and Health
- Proper Regulatory Compliance
- Better Workplace Morale, Productivity, and Staff Relations
Depending on the industry you're in or the kind of business you own, having an occupational health program can be a great idea. If you already have a plan in place, our occupational care center in Cookeville has an extensive array of tests and exams to ensure you meet any necessary criteria.
Some common types of screenings and exams may include:
Drug & Alcohol Tests
These tests can help ensure that your employees are not operating machinery or working under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Return-to-Work Exams
Also called Fit for Duty Exams, these tests can determine whether your employees are recovered and fit to return to the workplace, after sustaining an injury.
Health Screenings
Our team of medical professionals will conduct comprehensive screenings for blood, vision, pulmonary function, and more.
At Primary Care & Occupational Health Center, our full range of
occupational care services include:
- Alcohol/Drug
- Audiometry
- Chest and Back X-Rays
- EKG
- Hair Follicle Testing
- Lipids
- Spirometry
- Urinalysis
- 5 & 10 Panel
- DOT Physical Exam
- Bus Driver Exam
- Pre-Employment Exams
- Vision Exam
- Return-To-Work Clearance
Cookeville, Tennessee's Most Trusted Medical Practice
Whether you're looking for primary care in Cookeville, TN, or have an injury that requires a professional's immediate care, our team is here to help. We are proud to offer our patients the highest quality medical services Cookeville, at affordable prices. As one of the most trusted names in our local medical field, Primary Care & Occupational Health Center always prioritizes our client's comfort. We will always have your best interests in mind during treatment, and strive to exceed every patient's expectations with every visit.
When it comes to your health, you should never settle for second best. Contact our office today to learn more about how we keep our patients healthy, happy, and feeling their best all year long.
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Latest News in Cookeville, TN
Newspaper’s lawsuit prompts Tennessee hospital to release senior administrators’ salary information
Chris Younghttps://www.rcfp.org/cookeville-hospital-salary-info/
An RCFP attorney sued the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Authority on behalf of the Herald-Citizen's editor.It took a couple of years and a public records lawsuit, but residents of Cookeville, Tennessee, finally know the salaries of senior administrators of a publicly owned local hospital.The Cookeville Regional Medical Center Authority disclosed the information to the Herald-Citizen last month, less than three weeks after the newspaper’s editor sued the hospital with free legal support from an attorney from the Repor...
An RCFP attorney sued the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Authority on behalf of the Herald-Citizen's editor.
It took a couple of years and a public records lawsuit, but residents of Cookeville, Tennessee, finally know the salaries of senior administrators of a publicly owned local hospital.
The Cookeville Regional Medical Center Authority disclosed the information to the Herald-Citizen last month, less than three weeks after the newspaper’s editor sued the hospital with free legal support from an attorney from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The release of the records made it possible for the newspaper to provide answers to questions that its journalists and many community members have been asking the hospital for a couple of years, including whether top administrators, especially the town’s former mayor, were overpaid.
“It was a huge win for the newspaper, and it kind of reestablished our relevance in the community,” said Lindsay Pride, editor of the Herald-Citizen. “It showed that we are still significant. We are still important.”
The Herald-Citizen’s efforts to access the salary records began back in 2021, shortly after the hospital hired the part-time mayor of Cookeville to serve as its chief strategy officer, a new position that the hospital never publicly advertised. As a member of the city council, Pride said the mayor played a role in approving the hospital’s budget.
“If you’re voting on your own salary within that budget,” she said, “that felt like a conflict of interest to us, and to people within the community.” (A city council investigation concluded that the former mayor did not violate state law or the city charter regarding conflicts of interest, the Herald Citizen previously reported).
Pride made two requests for the salary records of the hospital’s senior administrators in May 2021. But hospital officials refused to provide the information. Pride said the newspaper’s ownership at the time decided not to pursue a lawsuit.
But community members continued to ask questions about the administrators’ salaries, even after the hospital laid off the former mayor and other top administrators.
“It’s a community-owned hospital, so the public obviously has an interest in what happens there,” said Pride, noting that, in the absence of actual information, rumors were rampant. “And people never stopped asking me about it.”
Through the Tennessee Press Association, Pride eventually connected with Paul McAdoo, the Reporters Committee’s Local Legal Initiative attorney for Tennessee. After explaining to him the hospital’s refusal to disclose the records, Pride said McAdoo told her to file another records request last August, which she did. Hospital officials didn’t even respond to it.
McAdoo then followed up the request with a letter to the hospital’s chief legal counsel urging the hospital to respond to Pride and turn over the requested records. The chief legal counsel replied in a letter last November that he had consulted with the hospital’s CEO and that “I do not have a response for you at this time.”
On behalf of Pride, McAdoo sued the hospital in March, alleging that there is no lawful basis for denying the editor’s request for the hospital salary records. Less than three weeks later, the hospital turned over all of the requested information.
The Herald-Citizen published a front-page story on March 24 that revealed the senior administrators’ salaries. As it turned out, Pride said, the salaries were lower than she and other community members expected. The former mayor made roughly $250,000 per year, not $400,000, as was rumored, she said.
Pride credits the lawsuit and a recent leadership change at the hospital with helping the newspaper finally obtain the records. (She said the hospital’s interim CEO, who took over around the time the lawsuit was filed, seems more open to transparency than the previous CEO.)
If not for the Reporters Committee’s free legal support, “I’m not sure my company would have let us pursue [the lawsuit],” she said. “I have no idea how much a lawsuit like this costs, but that’s a huge advantage to newspapers to be able to pursue a lawsuit at no expense to them.”
The Reporters Committee regularly files friend-of-the-court briefs and its attorneys represent journalists and news organizations pro bono in court cases that involve First Amendment freedoms, the newsgathering rights of journalists and access to public information. Stay up-to-date on our work by signing up for our monthly newsletter and following us on Twitter or Instagram.
Woman's powerful words lead to return of Cookeville's Bobby Q's
Forrest Sandershttps://www.newschannel5.com/news/womans-powerful-words-lead-to-return-of-cookevilles-bobby-qs
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When NewsChannel 5 reported last year the beloved Bobby Q's restaurant had to close, the Cookeville community was heartbroken. Someone with a big heart was watching, someone who wanted to keep the banana pudding on the menu in Putnam County.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — When NewsChannel 5 reported last year the beloved Bobby Q's restaurant had to close, the Cookeville community was heartbroken. Someone with a big heart was watching, someone who wanted to keep the banana pudding on the menu in Putnam County.
In the middle of a really big day in a middle Tennessee kitchen, Lee Gann told us between stirring banana pudding how she does not like getting emotional on camera. Why not, Lee?
"Is that a real question?" she said with a stare.
She will tell you, though, this place where she stood working means a whole lot to her.
We met Lee a year ago. She was the pitmaster at Bobby Q's in Cookeville, working for owner Mike Migliore.
"I started out as a dishwasher," Lee remembered. "Mike gave me a job when other people wouldn't. I came to Cookeville with $50 and a backpack. I tell everybody they saved my life."
On that day a year ago, Bobby Q's was about to close after being run by Mike for 37 years. He needed to focus on his health.
"And I just love this place," Lee tearfully told us in her 2022 interview.
"I was there cryin' on your newscast like a big baby!" Lee said, thinking back on her interview a year ago.
Someone was watching Lee's interview, someone who saw her as genuine, whose words came from her heart.
"I remember being moved by how passionate she was," said Michael King, known in Nashville as the owner of Monell's.
"He seen me on there cryin', and he knew he had to come down here and do something!" Lee said.
"I bought it because of her, her passion," Michael said.
Bobby Q's was closed about a year for renovations. Now, it's back.
"This is what I've been waiting for!" a customer said. "Been waiting for some good barbecue!"
The building has been completely remodeled and redesigned. Lee is now a general manager.
"It's been a year in the making," said Michael. "It's like birthing a baby! What we did was keep a lot of the Bobby Q recipes and added Monell's to it."
That includes Monell's skillet fried chicken. As for Bobbie Q's famous banana pudding? It's there.
"It's about as good as banana pudding gets, I think," one customer smiled.
"I wish I could have it every day!" laughed another.
"Michael has been nothing but a blessing to everyone inside this building," Lee said. "For him, closing of small restaurants, it's a sad thing."
"If we don't start supporting mom and pops, we're going to start losing fabrics of our neighborhoods," Michael continued.
So, no, Lee does not like being emotional on camera. But maybe this time, just this time, it was okay. Right, Lee?
"Because of her, we were able to open up today," Michael said.
"I just love this place," Lee continued. "A lot of it is the people and a lot of it is our customers. They're here every other day. We're just excited to be able to serve this community again."
Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Tidal Wave Auto Spa Celebrates New Opening in Cookeville, TN With Free Washes
Tidal Wave Auto Spahttps://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/01/10/2586615/0/en/Tidal-Wave-Auto-Spa-Celebrates-New-Opening-in-Cookeville-TN-With-Free-Washes.html
THOMASTON, Ga., Jan. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the fastest-growing express car wash companies in the country, opened its new Cookeville, TN location on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at ...
THOMASTON, Ga., Jan. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the fastest-growing express car wash companies in the country, opened its new Cookeville, TN location on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 764 S Jefferson Ave.
To celebrate its grand opening, the new Cookeville location is offering free washes from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 15. Additionally, new members can join any monthly unlimited membership plan for just $9.99 for the first month - now through March.
"This is our fourth Tennessee location," said founder and CEO Scott Blackstock. "We're excited to bring the convenience of our industry-leading conveyor car wash to Cookeville and look forward to bringing the happiness of a clean car to the folks in this community for years to come. Last year, we opened locations in Shelbyville, Lawrenceburg, and Paris, and we are thrilled to continue our expansion in Tennessee with additional locations opening in Pulaski, Athens, and Morristown in the coming months."
Tidal Wave Auto Spa was founded by Scott and Hope Blackstock in 1999. Together, they committed to building an exceptional car wash experience with the highest-quality washes, best-in-class locations, and top-tier customer service. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car wash technology, introducing Graph-X4 as their premium wash option in 2022. Graph X4 provides powerful four-layer protection for your vehicle from dirt, pollutants, and UV rays, paired with space-age sparkle.
Stop by for a single wash or join our Unlimited Wash Club for the best value and car wash experience. Members enjoy 30 days of unlimited washes for just one low monthly payment. Wash once a day, every day. Plus, unlimited wash plans can be used at any Tidal Wave location in the country. Tidal Wave also offers discounted monthly family plans and fleet plans - perfect for businesses with multiple company cars.
Give the gift of a clean car for the new year with a Tidal Wave gift card. An ideal choice for the holidays, birthdays or celebrations, a Tidal Wave Auto Spa gift card can fit any gift-giving need. Gift cards are reloadable and can be purchased online or at the nearest Tidal Wave location. For more information, visit https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/gift-cards/.
Tidal Wave is committed to giving back to the communities they serve - and make it easy to raise funds for schools, churches, civic groups, sports teams and more through their fundraising program. For more information about how to partner with Tidal Wave Auto Spa for your next fundraiser, please visit http://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/fundraising.
About Tidal Wave Auto Spa
Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company that was founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of its 139 locations across 21 states. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave has been recognized as one of the top 10 conveyor car washes and was included in the 2020 Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest-Growing Companies. The company has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, and since its founding, has given more than $1 million to organizations serving individuals with special needs.
Contact Information: Andrea Traylor Director of Digital Marketing andrea.traylor@tidalwaveautospa.com
Heather Coleman Marketing Manager media@tidalwaveautospa.com
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Black history celebrated through art in Cookeville Theatre Company original show
Claire Kopskyhttps://www.newschannel5.com/news/black-history-celebrated-through-art-in-cookeville-theatre-company-original-show
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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Cookeville Theatre Company is set to perform an original show during Black History Month titled "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dream" that is focused on celebrating Black history.
The show features an all-Black cast of 30 actors and crew members all local to Cookeville. The theatre company said this is the first time since the 1970s there has been an all-Black cast in Cookeville.
"I'm not sure why it hasn't happened in a long time, but we... are very concerned because it feels like Black stories, Black voices are being erased. Like, it just feels like there's an attack and that those types of social attacks are always met with art. Art always has an answer for that," said "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dream" co-creator, producer & director Lori Strode.
The creators said they felt while the month is meant to be about remembering and reflecting, it is also about celebrating.
"For a lot of Black people, Black History Month starts to feel a little heavy. Because the topics are heavy. They're so weighty and it's just kind of sad sometimes to think about the oppression and the things that we as people have had to overcome," explained Strode. "So I said it has to, obviously honor that and be reverent of that. But it's got to be celebratory."
"[In the show,] we have a part about Dr. King. We make some references to Frederick Douglass. We pay homage to Harriet Tubman," said Strode. "There's a piece where we pay homage to Amanda Gorman. So it just takes you on a journey from where we were and the shoulders that we stand on to where we are currently today."
The original performance includes songs, skits, dance and poems
"Art moves people. I've seen art change people's minds. I've seen art touch people and emotionally connect with them in various ways at various levels," said cast member Gellcya Alegre. "For it to be also representational and have a message that shows the varying shades and the varying voices of people in our past in our history U.S.’s history. The progression and the change that their voices have created in our history gives me so much hope and everything to come afterwards."
"For it to be possible for us to prevail and for this to be happening and it's really heavy. The importance of having an all-Black cast of having that representation. And seeing the fact that we can do this, you know, seeing the fact that this is possible and this is going to happen is such an honor. It's so beautiful," stated Alegre.
During the performance, Alegre is set to read a famous poem.
"I'm going to be reading the words, be reciting the Amanda Gorman poem, 'The Hill we Climb.' [An] amazing, beautiful piece, especially at such an important irrelevant time that we're in," she said. "Yeah, hope I do it justice."
Shane Langford will also perform in the show through dance and a poem by Langston Hughes.
"I was drawn to it [the show] because of the family aspect of it all. And I mean, of course, Black culture is American culture, and Black history is American history. But my family history is American history that I want to be a part of that that we're making here," he explained.
Strode said, "We want to remember and we want to celebrate that we are our ancestors' wildest dream... My ancestors couldn't imagine the life that I live in the things that I do."
The cast said taking part in the show not only feels monumental, but it is also very personal.
"They couldn't come to a show. So just being able to come to a show would be something that they can't imagine and to be able to come to a show that celebrates who they are, would be you know, the icing on the cake," Strode said tearfully.
For more details about the show, visit the Cookeville Theatre Company's website.
Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
‘I don’t feel smart just because of a test’: 8-year-old writes to lawmakers in response to 3rd grade retention law
Adam Mintzerhttps://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/i-dont-feel-smart-just-because-of-a-test-8-year-old-writes-to-lawmakers-in-response-to-3rd-grade-retention-law/
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — At just eight years old, Harper Burnett decided to turn her tears over Tennessee’s newly enacted third grade retention law into action.“I’m sad and mad, and I don’t feel smart just because of a test,” wrote Harper in a letter she sent to her state representative.The ...
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — At just eight years old, Harper Burnett decided to turn her tears over Tennessee’s newly enacted third grade retention law into action.
“I’m sad and mad, and I don’t feel smart just because of a test,” wrote Harper in a letter she sent to her state representative.
The TCAP is a state standardized test that a state website says, “is designed to assess true student understanding, not just basic memorization and test-taking skills.”
However, because of a new state law meant to keep students reading at grade level, a third-grader’s results on the test decides whether they’ll automatically go on to the next grade.
Last week, Harper’s mom, Leah Burnett, learned her daughter had scored at “approaching grade level” on the reading portion of the TCAP.
While only points away from passing it, this meant she would get held back unless other steps were taken.
“Her teacher called me and she was upset. I was her first call and she said, ‘I know it’s safe to cry to you.’ When she called me and she was in tears, because she, she knows how hard Harper worked,” Leah said.
While now a straight A student, Harper wasn’t always a strong reader, her mom said.
Harper attended learning camps over the last two summers and has been studying before and after school to be on grade level. Leah said her daughter deserves a break after a difficult school year and summers disrupted by the pandemic.
“She has made so many gains, and I know I’m educated enough. I’ve three degrees to decide if my child needs to go to summer school or not. She deserves fun this summer; she’s putting in the work,” Leah said.
After getting the same score on a retake of the test, Harper told her mom she wanted to do something about the law.
“It made me want to write that to them because it just felt wrong,” Harper said about writing her letter. “They don’t get to decide how I live my life.”
The video of Harper reading her letter has been shared more than 100 people on Facebook and viewed thousands of times on other social media websites.
Republican supporters of the law have stressed the law’s importance, especially after COVID-19 disrupted learning.
“Reading is foundational and is the fundamental foundation of everything that we do, and we’ve got to get those students pushed up reading to grade level,” said Rep. Jason Zachary (R—Knoxville) in a video posted to Twitter.
Zachary also noted there are ways for parents to have their child advance to the next grade level if they didn’t get a high enough score.
Third-graders in Harper’s position are able to appeal the results, attend summer learning camps, or sign up for extra tutoring while they attend fourth grade.
Leah said lawmakers aren’t considering the scars this law may leave on students, like test anxiety or potential bullying over being held back.
“I think people are going to make fun of me if I don’t go to fourth grade,” Harper said.
While planning to appeal the decision to retain her daughter, Leah thinks the process has taught something more important than how to take a standardized test — how to use her voice.
“I have learned that you have to speak up for yourself when something’s not right,” Harper said.
Harper and her mom said they have a meeting set up with their state representative in the coming weeks.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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