{p}The Tennessee Titans have unveiled a new look for the team’s longtime mascot, T-Rac.{/p}{p}The updated mascot was revealed Friday at Nissan Stadium to members of the Titans Rac-Pack kids club and the team’s “Mosh Pit,” a group of some of the franchise’s biggest fans.{/p}{p}T-Rac is scheduled to make his public debut with the new look during the Titans’ Blue & White scrimmage Friday night at Nissan Stadium.{/p}{p}The mascot has been a fixture at Titans games and community events for more than two decades, entertaining fans across Tennessee. (Photo: Tennessee Titans){/p}

PLEASANT VIEW, Tenn. (WZTV) — Students returned to Cheatham County classrooms Friday, bringing school safety back to the front of many parents’ minds.

Locked doors and security cameras are only part of a school’s emergency preparations. Families also need to know who is allowed inside, how they will receive emergency information and how they will be reunited with their children if students are moved from campus.

FOX 17 News asked Cheatham County Schools about those procedures and reviewed information published by Metro Nashville Public Schools, Sumner County Schools and Rutherford County Schools.

Cheatham County requires visitors to show ID

Cheatham County Schools said every school has a buzzed-entry system.

Visitors must provide a state-issued ID before entering. The district also encourages visitors to make an appointment before coming to a school.

The district did not release details about student reunification locations or its internal response to SafeTN tips. Officials said both are included in the district’s emergency operations plan, which is not shared publicly.

Although specific locations may remain confidential for security reasons, parents will need clear instructions during an actual emergency about where to go and what identification to bring.

Emergency messages will be translated

Cheatham County Schools said families would receive emergency information through phone calls, emails and text messages.

The district said each message would be translated into the family’s preferred language.

Parents should confirm that their child’s school has their current phone number, email address, emergency contacts and preferred language. That information is how the notification system reaches each family.

Metro Nashville uses controlled entrances

Metro Nashville Public Schools says visitors must identify themselves before being allowed inside a school. The district uses video entry systems, controlled entrances, security vestibules and the Raptor visitor-management system.

MNPS also says each school develops a site-specific emergency operations plan with Metro Nashville Police and practices its response through drills.

A public Croft Middle School emergency guide offers one example of the reunification process. It says students will be released only to a parent, legal guardian or other authorized person who can show identification. If an alternate release location is needed, the school says signs will be posted.

That guidance comes from one school and is not presented as a districtwide reunification policy.

MNPS is introducing ParentSquare at selected schools during the 2026-27 school year. It can deliver messages through email, an app, voice calls or texts and offers automatic translation. Other district schools will continue using Remind this school year before moving to ParentSquare later.

Families can also request an interpreter or translated document from MNPS.

Sumner County sends alerts several ways

Sumner County Schools says its Messages XR system can send emergency information through automated calls, texts, emails, a mobile app and a web portal.

The system uses the contact information families provide during student registration. The district tells parents to keep their phone numbers and email addresses current.

Visitor instructions published in a White House Middle School handbook require guests to enter through the main office, sign a visitor log, receive a pass and get permission before beginning their visit.

FOX 17 News did not find a public districtwide explanation telling Sumner County families how or when they would receive a reunification location.

Sumner County also operates SaferSumner, a confidential tip line for students, parents and community members. The district’s public page encourages people to report safety concerns but does not explain who reviews a report or what steps follow.

Rutherford County promotes STOPit reporting

Rutherford County Schools publishes a Visitor Code of Conduct and directs families with questions to its school-safety department. The public page does not detail one districtwide visitor entry and identification process.

The district is moving to a unified communication platform for the 2026-27 school year. Public information says school and district messages will be brought into one place through a mobile app, but it does not provide a detailed explanation of emergency language access or options for families without internet service.

Rutherford County promotes STOPit, an online and app-based system that allows students, parents, teachers and others to anonymously report concerns to school officials. Those concerns can include cyberbullying, threats of violence and possible self-harm.

FOX 17 News did not find a public districtwide reunification guide or a detailed explanation of what happens after the district receives a STOPit report.

What happens after a SafeTN tip?

SafeTN is available statewide, including in districts that operate their own reporting systems.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security says SafeTN accepts anonymous tips 24 hours a day.

State personnel review and assess each submission, then send the information to law enforcement, mental-health crisis teams, school administrators or a combination of those groups based on the concern.

Reportable concerns include threats of violence, planned attacks, assault, sexual misconduct and possible harm to oneself or others.

The response after a tip reaches a school district depends on the information submitted and the potential threat. Several districts do not publish those internal steps.

What parents can do before an emergency

Parents and guardians can take several steps now:

Make sure the school has current phone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts.

Confirm the family’s preferred language for school messages.

Check who is authorized to pick up the student and ask what identification that person would need.

Find out where the district posts emergency updates and whether receiving them requires an app or account.

During an emergency, wait for district instructions before driving to the school so roads remain open for first responders.

Talk with children about reporting threats, weapons, bullying or concerns that someone may be harmed.

Specific reunification sites may depend on the emergency. For families, the key is knowing how their district will send that location and what they will need before a student can be released.

What This Story Is About

• The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is visiting Powell and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in mid-August.

Why It Matters

• The free, family-friendly event offers a rare opportunity to see an iconic piece of American pop culture up close.

What Happens Next

• Fans can see the vehicle at the Powell Kroger on August 14 and the Oak Ridge Kroger on August 16.

For Context

• Visitors can take photos with the Wienermobile and interact with its official drivers, known as “Hotdoggers.”

POWELL, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is making it’s way to East Tennessee and you’ll have two chances to see it.

The first stop will be on Aug. 14 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kroger located at 234 E. Emory Road in Powell.

The second will be on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kroger located at 1550 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge.

“The Wienermobile has been a source of joy for generations, and now it’s making its way to your local Kroger store,” a Kroger spokesperson said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families and fans of all ages to connect with a true piece of Americana.”

Kroger said people will get the chance to take pictures with the Wienermobile and interact with the Hotdogger, who are the official Wienermobile drivers.

The event is free and open to the public.