Welcome Bulldogs!

Rickman Elementary has two school counselors available to work with our students. Mrs. Laura Baker and myself work in each classroom for forty-five minutes to deliver character education lessons that follows the Tennessee School Counseling and Career Guidance Standards. These standards focus on three areas of student development: academic, career, and personal/social development. I am the PreK-4th grade counselor and Mrs. Baker is the 5th-8th grade counselor, but we are always available for all of our students. We also have small group and individual counseling sessions with students as needed for a variety of reasons. I am honored to get to love on your children!

~ About Me ~

My students refer to me as Mrs. Ray or Mrs. RaeRay. Mrs. Kathy Ray is the original Mrs. Ray and she teaches first grade. The students call me a different name to eliminate confusion. Donna Rae Ray is my legal name and the kids think it is so funny.

I am proud to say that I have been a Bulldog for many years. I have fabulous memories from my elementary years here at Rickman. I am a three time graduate from Tennessee Tech University. I received a Bachelors degree in elementary education, Masters and Specialist in Education degrees in school counseling. 2023-2024 will complete my 21st year in education. Thirteen of those years have been spent at Rickman. My first seven years were spent working at Wilson Elementary as the school counselor. I was so proud to return to Rickman as a faculty member. I am blessed to be able to work with your children!

My two word motto is "Be Kind." I believe that if you are kind to others, everything else will fall into place. You never know what spreading a little kindness can do for those around you and for yourself.

I loooove University of Tennessee football and all things orange! Go Vols!