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 for a couple of reasons. Mrs. Kathy Ray is the original Mrs. Ray and she teaches first grade. The students calling me a different name eliminates confusion. Second, Donna Rae Ray is my legal name and the kids think it is so funny.

I am a native of Overton County and live here with my husband and two sons. 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. 2022-2023 will complete my 20th year in education. Twelve of those years 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.

My two work 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! GBO!