MCS
News Releases for February 2008
February 29, 2008
Principal of New Douglass High School to Meet
with Parents
during MCS School Choice Week
Douglass' School Choice Week Open House Set for Tuesday, March 4 at Greer Chapel Church
Memphis, Tenn. – Principal Janet W. Thompson of the new Douglass High School is inviting parents to Douglass’ School Choice Week* open house on Tuesday, March 4. Douglass is one of nearly 200 schools that will hold an open house during School Choice Week, March 4-6. Ms. Thompson will meet with parents expecting their children to be assigned to Douglass High School next year, as well as those considering a transfer for their child to Douglass during the district’s upcoming Open Enrollment period. Parents can find out about the new school’s design, as well as academic, athletic, vocational and extra-curricular program and parent organizations. Because construction on the new school is not yet completed, the open house will be held at Greer Chapel Church, 1480 Ash, from 5-7 p.m.
The new Douglass High School will open in August of 2008. It will be located at 3200 Mt. Olive. For more information, contact Ms. Thompson at 416-0990.
*What is School Choice Week?
During School Choice Week, March 4-6, nearly every school will host an open house to allow parents to visit and learn about the wide variety of learning programs across the district. A different group of schools will be open each day during the week of March 4-6 for morning and evening visits. Only schools with admission criteria will not be open during School Choice Week.
School Choice Week ties directly into the district's popular Open Enrollment period, which starts with "early sign-up" on March 11. Parents considering a transfer for their child are encouraged to attend as many open houses as possible during School Choice Week in order to explore the great range of learning options and make the most informed decisions about their child's education when the application process begins on March 26.
Parents can access School Choice Week resources by clicking on the School Choice Week logo located on the home page of the distric
February 29, 2008
Overton High Theater Students
to Perform Disney’s “High School Musical”
March 5 - 9
Production Opens with Special Performance
for Nearly 1,000 Memphis, Shelby County Students
Memphis, Tenn. – The next theater production at Overton High School shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for its renowned performing arts students. However, there should be little doubt that the upcoming presentation of Disney’s “High School Musical” will be anything short of outstanding. After all, that is the norm for the city’s premiere performing arts program.
On Wednesday March 5, Overton High School will open its stage production of the hit Disney movie, “High School Musical,” which has also received great acclaim in theaters nation-wide. The show will run through Sunday, March 9.
The opening performance at 9:30 a.m. on March 5 will be for an audience of nearly 1,000 young students from across Memphis and Shelby County. Performances are also scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 7 – 8, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.
Ticket prices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students.
For more information, contact Ms. Parrish or Ms. Robinson at 416-2136, or Ms. Roy at 416-2142. Overton High school is located at 1770 Lanier Lane.
February 29, 2008
Interested in Teaching a World Language?
MCS Teacher Recruitment Office
to Hold World Language Info Session Thursday, March 6
Memphis, Tenn. – Anyone interested in teaching a world language for Memphis City Schools should make plans to attend an info session on Thursday, March 6. The session will take place from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Teaching & Learning Academy, 2485 Union. Participants will find out what it takes to become a teacher, including qualifications and how to apply.
Memphis City Schools offers world language classes at the elementary, middle and high school level, including French, Japanese, Russian, Latin, German and Spanish. Course offerings vary according to grade level.
To register for the info session, visit www.teachmemphis.org. for further information, email the Office of Recruitment at teach@teachmemphis.org, or call 416-0232.
February 29, 2008
Original Freedom Writers to Visit Ridgeway Middle School Friday, Feb. 29
Assembly at Ridgeway Caps Month of Lessons
Focused on Story of Freedom Writers School Visit,Serializationof Freedom Writers Book Sponsored
by Hyde Foundation, First Tennessee, Mid-South Reads
Memphis, Tenn. – Learning through literacy takes an extraordinary leap this week at Ridgeway Middle School. On Friday, February 29, the original Freedom Writers, Erin Gruwell and Maria Reyes, will visit Ridgeway Middle School.
For more than a month, students at Ridgeway have been sstudying the story of the Freedom Writers, using serialized excerpts and corresponding curricula that has been published in The Commercial Appeal on a weekly basis. On Friday, Gruwell and Reyes will share their personal stories and aim to engage and motivate students through conversations about the importance of literacy, education, tolerance and, most of all, hope.
The Hyde Foundation provided the funding to bring the Freedom Writers to Memphis. First Tennessee, with assistance from Mid-South Reads,contributed substantial support for the serialization of the book. All three groups are valued partners of the Memphis City Schools.
The inspiring story of the Freedom Writers has been used by classroom teachers to promote literacy at all grade levels in schools across the district, as well as by various staff members for student leadership programs and diversity training.
Ridgeway Middle School is part of a two-stop tour while Gruwell and Reyes are in Memphis. The two will be at Crichton College to sign books tomorrow night before arriving at Ridgeway at 9 a.m. Friday.
For more information about the Freedom Writer's visit to Ridgeway Middle school, call 416-1588.
February 27, 2008
Superintendent Dan Ward to Meet SCLC Chapter
President
Rev. Dwight Montgomery, Colleagues Today
to Discuss
Faith-Based, Community Partnership Ideas
Media Invited for a Photo-Op Prior to 2 p.m. Meeting at BOE
Memphis, Tenn. – This afternoon, February 27, Superintendent Dan Ward will welcome Reverend Dwight Montgomery, Chapter President of the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC), and colleagues to the Board of Education to discuss new ideas for faith-based partnerships. Memphis City Schools maintains an active interest in partnering with community organizations in order to continually promote and enhance academic achievement and positive learning environments district-wide.
The local faith-based community, along with local and national businesses and civic groups, helps drive the district's school outreach efforts, which include the Our Children-Our Future tutoring program, CONNECT mentoring and hundreds of Adopt-A-School partnerships.
Media is invited to the Board of Education, 2597 Avery, for a brief photo opportunity prior to today's 2 p.m. meeting between Superintendent Ward and Reverend Montgomery. The meeting will not be open the media, but reporters will have an opportunity afterward to ask questions.
February 26, 2008
Lester Students to Bring History to Life
at School’s Black History Month Museum
Tomorrow, February 26, 2008
Memphis, Tenn. – Students at Lester School have been learning about famous and influential
African-Americans throughout the month of February. Tomorrow, February 26, they’ll bring those
lessons to life during the opening of the school’s “Still Museum,” which as created by students in
grades Pre-K – 8 in celebration of Black History Month.
Lester’s gymnasium has been transformed into a museum, which will be open for class and
community tours from 8 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 2 p.m. Student curators and tour guides will be
waiting for guests in the museum’s Visitor’s Center with brochures about exhibits, as well as floor
plans and other instructional resources.
Inside the museum, more than 20 exhibits that include various illustrations and writings will tell the
incredible stories of notable African-Americans throughout history. In addition to the artwork and
stories produced by students in every grade, some students will also be dressed in costumes to help
bring some of the stories to life.
Exhibits will showcase the following African-Americans, among others: Tom Lee, Ida B. Wells,
Riley King, Sarah Breedlove, Williams Sister, Jack Johnson, Eldrick Woods, Marva Collins, Bill
Picket, Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, James Meredith, Wilma Rudolph,
Cathay Williams, and Lena Horne.
For more information, or to schedule a tour of the museum, call Lester School at 416-5969.
February 25, 2008
Memphis City Schools Receives $95,000 National Grant
to Fund Second Year of Service-Learning
Driver Safety Program
State Farm to Announce Award during Press Conference
at Kingsbury Career & Technology Center TODAY at Noon
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will spend the next year continuing school-based, student-led
initiatives aimed at increasing Driver Safety Awareness and decreasing the sad statistics associated with trafficrelated
accidents. The projects are made possible thanks to a $95,000 national grant from State Farm Insurance.
It's the second year the grant has been awarded to Memphis City Schools.
State Farm will host a press conference to announce the award TODAY, February 25 at noon. It will take place
at Kingsbury Career Technology Center, located at 1328 North Graham.
Memphis City Schools was chosen from a pool of more than 300 school districts across the nation to apply for a
portion of State Farm’s $5 million grant fund supporting new service- learning projects. Officials in MCS’
Division of Careers, Technology and Adult Education selected Driver Safety from a list of designated “key
areas” for support that also included Disaster Preparedness, Closing the Achievement Gap and Financial
Literacy.
Memphis City Schools will use the grant award to continue the service-learning projects that were initiated this
year. Students and teachers have already promoted driver safety issues this year with exhibits at the Mid-South
Fair, creation of the Safety Olympics and a city-wide poster project, just to name a few. Additional projects
planned for this year include a music video contest, a drama production and a series of safety-related outdoor
advertisements.
The State Farm grants ranged from a minimum amount of $25,000 per year to a maximum amount of $100,000
per year. For a complete list of the service learning projects made possible by these grants, visit
www.statefarmyab.com. For more information about current driver safety projects, please contact Kingsbury
Career & Technology Center at 416-6000.
February 25, 2008
Memphis City Schools’ CONNECT Mentoring Program
Receives $20,000 United Way Grant
Memphis, Tenn. – CONNECT, the Memphis City Schools mentoring program, has received a
$20,000 United Way Avron B. Fogelman Venture Fund Grant. The grant will support
recruitment, training and retention of at least 100 new mentors and help retain current CONNECT
mentors. Additionally, the grant will fund new marketing initiatives to raise awareness about and
draw interest for the program.
“This grant will foster the promotion of mentoring among the students that attend targeted
Memphis City Schools,” according to Clint Anderson, Director of Community Impact and Youth
Programs for United Way of the Mid-South. “We strongly feel these funds will make a difference
in the lives of our children who need adult guidance and a positive role model.”
CONNECT is the Memphis City Schools’ school-based mentoring program. It matches adults
one-on-one to students in identified MCS schools. The program seeks to improve the academic
and social needs of students to provide a lasting connection to lifelong survival and success.
CONNECT serves students in grades 4 – 9.
February 25, 2008
Memphis City Schools’ School Choice Week is March 4-6
Parents Invited to Attend One of Nearly 200 Open Houses during School Choice Week
“Come See for Yourself!” New PSAs Featuring MCS parents Roll Out Ahead of District’s Popular Open Enrollment Process
Memphis, Tenn. – Whether a student is interested in the arts, business and finance, international studies or a career and technical program, School Choice Week is the perfect time for parents finds the right learning environment for their child.
During School Choice Week, March 4-6, nearly every school will host an open house to allow parents to visit and learn about the wide variety of learning programs across the district. A different group of schools will be open each day during the week of March 4-6 for morning and evening visits. Only schools with admission criteria will not be open during School Choice Week.
Parents can access School Choice Week resources by clicking on the School Choice Week logo located on the home page of the district’s Web site, www.mcsk12.net. Online resources include:
· Schedule of open houses
· FAQs about School Choice Week and Open Enrollment
· Downloadable copy of the School Choice Week Parent Guide, which lists some of the various learning programs and district services available in each of the schools
School Choice Week ties directly into the district's popular Open Enrollment period, which starts with "early sign-up" on March 11. Parents considering a transfer for their child are encouraged to attend as many open houses as possible during School Choice Week in order to explore the great range of learning options and make the most informed decisions about their child's education when the application process begins on March 26.
Starting today, parents will see new PSA announcements appearing on the four major local TV networks. The “Come See for Yourself” spots, which feature comments from parents of MCS students, serve to attract other parents throughout the Memphis and Shelby County area to find out for themselves that no matter what a child’s special interest or learning needs may be, Memphis City Schools could be the perfect fit for their education.
Click the following links to view each of the "Come See for Yourself" PSAs:
Come See for Yourself PSA 1 Come See for Yourself PSA 2
February 19, 2008
MCS Educator One of Only 20 Nation-Wide Chosen for “Leaders of Tomorrow” Program
Memphis, Tenn. – A Memphis City Schools Special Education Assistant has been selected for the National Education Association’s inaugural “Leaders of Tomorrow” Program. Cathy Beaty, an Educational Support Person for Avon Lenox School, is one of only 20 teaching professionals selected nation-wide to participate in “Leaders of Tomorrow,” a prestigious, new program presented by the National Education Association (NEA).
Nominated by the Memphis Education Association, Beaty was one of 100 nominees across the country endorsed by state presidents and executive directors. The “Leaders of Tomorrow” have already attended training sessions in Washington and Boston. Next month, they will head to Baltimore for the Emerging Leaders program and the NEA Educational Support Person Conference.
“We’re so excited for Ms. Beaty,” said Avon Lenox principal Margaret McKissick-Larry. “This is a good breeding ground for leaders. She has such an encouraging spirit about her and we know she’s going to do well in her future endeavors.”
The “Leaders of Tomorrow” program is designed to help participants examine their leadership style, develop recruitment skills and understand trade unionism. For more information, visit www.nea.org.
February 18, 2008
Memphis City Schools’ “Smart Career Week”
Part of National Focus on Career Planning
Parent, Community-led Activities across District Aimed to Heighten Awareness of Career Options
Memphis, Tenn. – Most children start dreaming at an early age of what they’d like to be when they grow up. During Memphis City Schools’ first “Smart Career Week,” February 18-22, children in grades K-12 will be taking part in some fun and engaging activities aimed to raise awareness about career options and what it takes to be successful in the work force.
Smart Career Week coincides with the national observance of Career/Technical Week. Its goal is to provide opportunities for students to share and learn how to pursue their career interests and goals through constructive conversations with peers, staff members, parents and community partners.
Each day of Smart Career Week has its own focus, including Career Sharing Day, Career/ Technology Day and Mock Career Day. Highlighting the week’s activities will be a College/Career Fair, Career Fashion Show, tech tours at some of the district’s career and technology centers and various interactive parent presentations.
For more information about Smart Career Week, including details on where activities are taking place each day, call the district’s Division of K-12 Counseling at 416-0406.
February 9, 2008
Raleigh-Bartlett Meadows Elementary in Session Tomorrow,
February 9 for
Power Outage Make Up Day
Memphis, Tenn. - Raleigh-Bartlett Meadows Elementary School will be making
up two missed days due to recent power outages. The first make up day is TOMORROW Saturday, February 9. Students are expected to report to school
tomorrow during regular school hours.
The school will have its second make up day on Saturday, February 23,
during regular school hours.
ParentLink phone messages are being sent to parents to inform them that
classes will be in session tomorrow.
February 8, 2008
MCS Partners with Clear Channel Radio to
Provide Internships for Students
Memphis, Tenn. – Seven Memphis City School students will have the opportunity to pursue their dream of working in broadcast radio thanks to a new partnership between the district and Clear Channel Radio.
Students enrolled in the Memphis City Schools’ Electronic Media Education Program (EMEP) are eligible to apply for the Clear Channel Radio internship opportunities. EMEP is taught at the MCS Telecommunications Center, which is also home to district stations Cable 19 and 88.5 FM. This unique program provides hands-on experience for students who plan to pursue a career in broadcasting and reaches more than a dozen high schools. Seven of those schools transport approximately 60 MCS sophomores, juniors and seniors to the Telecommunications Center for Radio and TV Production and Management courses.
The seven students selected are:
- Edward Lester III Senior Wooddale High School
- Xavier Weddington Senior Overton High School
- Darnesha Cotton Senior Ridgeway High School
- Ava Hawkins Senior Wooddale High School
- Ashley Nicole Jones Senior Craigmont High School
- Allyson Fant Senior Wooddale High School
- Mykala Smith Senior Hillcrest High School
Each student was selected based on their stellar performance in the EMEP.
As interns for Clear Channel Radio, students will get hands-on experience in broadcast radio by working in the areas of production, accounting, promotions and sales.
“Clear Channel is proud to partner with the Memphis City Schools Electronic Media Education Program to offer an opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in radio,” says Frank Gilbert, Promotions Director, Clear Channel Radio. “As a graduate of Whitehaven High School, I understand the importance of providing opportunities for our youth to be able to grow and pursue their dreams.”
For more information about the Memphis City Schools Electronic Media Education Program, please call 901-416-3460.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
MCS' Policy Committee Recommends Further Study
of Daily Metal Detector Screenings in All High Schools and Middle Schools
Memphis, Tenn. – Tonight, February 7, Memphis City Schools' Policy
Committee recommended further study of metal detector screenings at all
high schools and middle schools.
Currently, Memphis City Schools Board Policy states that random metal
detector checks must be performed at all middle and high schools at a
minimum of nine times per school year. However, all secondary schools are
asked to perform more frequent metal detection checks.
Every middle and high school is equipped with a minimum of one stand-up
metal detection walk-through unit and two metal detection wands. An
additional walk-through unit is added per 500 students, and an additional
wand is added per 300 students.
It takes at least six staff members to operate one metal detection station
and can take as many as 20 total staff members to conduct the checks at a
larger school.
Metal detection is one of several security measures the district uses to
help ensure the safety of students during school hours. Other measures
include:
- Full-time district security force
- 24-hour security patrols of all school campuses and neighborhoods
- Memphis City Schools officers and the Memphis Police Department's Officers in the Schools (OIS)
- Video surveillance at middle and high schools
- A-phone camera-controlled buzzer entry systems at elementary schools
- Campus Monitors at middle and high schools
- PBIS Coaches (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support)
- Alternative Schools and Success Schools
- Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) and other parent patrol groups
- Trust Pays program for middle and high schools
- Support teams for students with continuous negative behaviors with mental health support
- Controlled access for visitors
Thursday, February 7, 2008
All Memphis City Schools in Session Tomorrow, February 8
Memphis, Tenn. - All Memphis City Schools will be in session tomorrow,
Friday, February 8, following restoration of power by MLGW.
ParentLink phone messages are being sent to parents to inform them that all
classes will resume on regular schedules tomorrow.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Memphis Author to Bring “The Juneteenth Story”
to MCS Students during Black History Month
Memphis, Tenn. – Black History Month lessons in Memphis City Schools will have some added impact, thanks to local author Larry Batchlor. Batchlor will tour a number of middle and high schools this month to talk with students about his book, “The Juneteenth Story: From African Slaves to African-Americans.”
The book spotlights powerful experiences of African-American slaves and their victories throughout a long, intense struggle for respect and freedom in this country.
“The Juneteenth Story entertains and empowers students with new perspectives of black history and American history,” Batchlor said. “I think it is important that students learn what Juneteenth is all about. I have been obsessed with the fact that children must know their history.”
This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Juneteenth commemoration.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
For more information about Batchlor’s Memphis City Schools book tour, contact Patricia A. Rogers at 355 - 9009.
Media planning to attend any of the following school visits should sign in at the school’s main office upon arrival.
Tuesday, February 12
- Craigmont High School - 10 a.m.
- Kingsbury Middle School - 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008
- Wooddale Middle School – 8 a.m.
- Kirby High School - 9:30 a.m.
- Ridgeway Middle School - 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 14
- Dr. Benjamin Hooks Job Corps Academy - 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 19
- Mitchell High School - 7:50 a.m.
- Fairley High School - 9:30 a.m.
- Ford Road Elementary - 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 20
- Hillcrest High School - 9 a.m.
- Geeter Middle School - Noon
Friday, February 22
- Hollis F. Price Middle College - 8:30 a.m.
- Booker T. Washington High School - 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 26
- - Frayser High School - 8:45 a.m.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Upcoming MCS Parent Learning Academy Workshops
to Focus on Financial Literacy, Special Needs
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools’ Division of Parent and Community Engagement will be holding two Parent Learning Academy workshops this month, each focusing on Financial Literacy and special needs.
Kelley Rousseau of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will provide information for families on money management, savings, investing and the use of credit to make wise financial decisions. Annette Vaughan from the district’s Division of Exceptional Children will share information about students with disabilities.
The first Parent Learning Academy workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 13 from 9-11 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Center Library, 620 S. Lauderdale. The second will take place at the Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union, on Thursday, February 28 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
To register for one of these workshops, parents should contact the Division of Parent and Community Engagement at 416-7264 or 416-7469. Non-English speaking parents who would like to attend this session should contact the Division of Parent and Community Engagement to arrange for a translator to be present. *Download the Spanish version of the flyer for this event.
These Parent Learning Academy workshops are funded through the No Child Left Behind Act 2001 under Title I Part A.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Parents, Students Encouraged to Attend “College Goal Sunday”
February 10 for Financial Aid Assistance
Memphis, Tenn. – Parents and students preparing for college after the 2007-08 school year are encouraged to participate in College Goal Sunday, which takes place Sunday, February 10.
College Goal Sunday is a non-profit program that provides free information and assistance to Tennessee families applying for financial assistance for higher education. February 10 is the day nation-wide that parents and students are urged to complete their FAFSA forms for financial aid.
Sessions will take place from 2 - 4 p.m. at the following sites: Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Macon campus; White Station High School; LeMoyne-Owen College; and Tennessee Technology Center.
For more information, call 734-1257, or visit www.CollegeGoalSundayTN.org.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Cromwell Elementary, Hickory Ridge Elementary,
Hickory Ridge Middle to Remain Closed Tomorrow, Feb. 7
All Other Memphis City Schools in Session
Memphis, Tenn. - Three Memphis City schools will remain closed tomorrow,
Thursday, February 7, due to MLGW power outages caused by Tuesday's storms.
ParentLink phone messages are being sent to parents at Cromwell Elementary,
Hickory Ridge Elementary and Hickory Ridge Middle schools to inform them
that classes would be cancelled again tomorrow.
Meanwhile, all other schools throughout the district will be open on
regular schedules tomorrow.
Updates on the status of the three closed schools will be provided to
parents, as well as to local media outlets, when more information is
available.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Classes Cancelled at 13 Memphis City Schools Today, February 6 Following Storms
Memphis, Tenn. - Thirteen Memphis City schools will be closed Today,
Wednesday, February 6, due to problems caused by yesterday's storms.
Classes have been cancelled at the following schools due to power outages:
Cherokee Elementary, Coleman Elementary, Cromwell Elementary, Crump
Elementary, Fox Meadows Elementary, Georgia Avenue Elementary, Graves
Elementary, Hickory Ridge Elementary, Hickory Ridge Middle, Keystone
Elementary, Magnolia Elementary and Winridge Elementary.
Classes are cancelled at Peabody Elementary due to water damage.
The district will notify parents at each of these schools via its
ParentLink phone messaging system. Updates on the status of these schools
will be provided to parents, as well as to local media outlets, when more
information is available.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Community Members, District Employees Invited to
Share Input during Public Budget Hearings
Four Hearings Set in February to Outline Spending Proposals for the 2008-09
School Year Budget
Memphis, Tenn. – Community members and district employees are invited to attend series of public budget hearings this month. During the hearings, Memphis Board of Education Commissioners will be hearing from leaders of various district departments regarding funding proposals for the 2008-09 school year. Community members and district employees will also have an opportunity during each session to share input on next year’s budget.
Each of the following budget hearings will take place from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Board of Education, 2597 Avery. Citizens and employees will have from 5:30 – 6 p.m. during each session to provide comments.
- Monday, February 11, 2008
- Tuesday, February 12, 2008
- Tuesday, February 19, 2008
- Thursday, February 21, 2008
Investment priorities currently being considered for the 2008-09 fiscal year include: continued focus on student achievement through varied support for principals and teachers, along with added emphasis on improving graduation rates, math and science instruction, closing the achievement gap among students with disabilities, language barriers and economic disadvantages and sustainability of BEP-2.0; measures to ensure accountability in district operations, such as new data management processes and professional development opportunities; enhancement of safety and security measures to help prevent serious offenses; plans to ensure healthy youth development to help prevent chronic behaviors; creation of more opportunities for parent and community involvement and outreach; and various forms of diversity training at all levels.
Following approval by Board Commissioners this month, the 2008-09 budget will be presented to members of City Council and the Shelby County Commission in April.
Copies of the 2008-09 initial budget can be viewed in room 208 of the Board of Education, 2597 Avery, from 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Call 416-5628 for more information.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Memphis City Schools Closing at 12:30 p.m.
Due to Potential for Severe Weather
All After-Care, After-School Programs Cancelled; Athletic Games to Be
Rescheduled
Election Commission Polling Locations Will Remain Open
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will close all schools today at 12:30 p.m. due to the potential for severe weather. The National Weather Service informed that severe weather could move into the Memphis area during the dismissal period, and it would not be safe to allow students to travel home in such conditions.
It is possible that some buses may not arrive at schools until after 12:30p.m. However, staff members will remain at schools until the last child has left campus safely.
Parents are being notified of the early dismissal via ParentLink phone message. Additionally, the efforts of local media outlets to ensure this message is shared with the public are greatly appreciated.
All after-care and after-school programs have been cancelled tonight, and all athletic games will be rescheduled. Polling locations throughout the school district will remain open this evening. However, the district urges voters to be cautious when traveling to polling sites during severe weather. Any decision to close a polling location will be made by the Election Commission.
February 5, 2008
Optional Schools Applications Accepted
Until Start of 2008-09 School Year
Memphis, Tenn. – Parents and legal guardians may continue to submit
applications for Memphis City School’s popular Optional Schools program
from now until the start of the 2008-09 school year. Parents may submit
optional school transfer applications in the Optional Schools Office, room
106, at the Memphis Board of Education Building, Monday through Friday from
7:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Applications will be processed in order of receipt,
so parents are encouraged to turn in their applications as soon as
possible.
First preference for available space goes to qualified city resident
siblings with brothers or sisters who are in satisfactory standing in the
requested school on an optional transfer. This sibling policy does not
guarantee a space. It only provides preference for available space if the
new applicant meets the entrance requirements at the time of application. A
sibling is a brother or sister who lives at the same address. This
preference to siblings is in effect from Friday, February 1, 2008 through
Friday, February 29, 2008.
City residents will also be given priority for the available spaces.
Non-city residents will be considered on a space-availability basis and
will be required to pay tuition. Any student who meets the specific program
requirements and lives within the assigned district of the optional school
for which they want to apply should apply at that school.
Parents must bring the following items when they apply:
- Completed application form
- A copy of the child’s most recent comprehensive report card
- Current nationally-normed or TCAP achievement test scores (if
applicable)
- A copy of the child’s Social Security card
- Birth certificate for KK applicants to Double Tree & Idlewild only
For more information, contact the Memphis City Schools Division of Optional
Schools at (901) 416-5338.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Sheffield High School to Dismiss at 12:30 Today
Power Outage In Area
Memphis, Tenn. – There is an MLGW issue affecting power in the Sheffield
High School. Due to the power outage, Sheffield High School will dismiss
classes at 12:30 today.
Parents may contact the school at 416-2370 for more information.
A ParentLink phone message has been sent to all Sheffield High School
parents informing them of the early dismissal. Parents can expect an update
from the district via the ParentLink communications system later today.
Please note as a reminder that Georgian Hills Middle and Raineshaven
Elementary Schools will be in session today. Memphis Light Gas and Water
has restored power to those schools.
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