MCS
News Releases for April 2008
April 30, 2008
Memphis City Schools Sponsoring Free
Summer Food Service Program for All Memphis Youth
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools’ Division of Nutrition Services is again sponsoring a Summer Food Service Program for children in Memphis. Unlike past years, the 2008 Summer Food Service Program will not be based on family income. All youth ages 18 and under will be eligible for free meals between June 2 – August 1, 2008.
This Summer Food Service Program is provided as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For site locations and meal times, call the Division of Nutrition Services, (901) 416-5550.
Parents, mark your calendars.
The application period for free and reduced-price meals during the 2008-09 school year will begin on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Applications will be posted on the MCS Web site, www.mcsk12.net, prior to the start of the application period. Applications will also be available by calling the district’s Division of Nutrition Services, (901) 416-5550. Parents who plan to apply for free or reduced-price meals at the start of the school year should turn in their completed applications during the 2008-09 registration period.
April 30, 2008
Seniors from White Station, Cordova High Schools
Awarded National Merit Scholarships
Memphis, Tenn. – The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced this morning that Shawn Pan of White Station High School and Ray Xiong of Cordova High School are among the distinguished seniors from across the country to be awarded in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program.
NMSC provides $2,500 single-payment scholarships to honor students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Recipients can use their award at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice. Pan intends to use his Merit Scholarship to pursue a degree in engineering, while Xiong will use the award to help achieve his goal of attending law school.
More than 1.4 million students competed in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program, with only 15,000 students who met the highest academic standards advancing to the Finalist level of the competition. Finalists posted the top scores in their state on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as juniors and demonstrated significant contributions and leadership qualities in school and community activities.
This is the second round of National Merit Scholarships awarded in 2008. Earlier this month, Sarah Stephens and Benjamin Yang, both seniors at White Station High School, received the NMSC Corporate-Sponsored scholarship. NMSC will announce its next group of 2008 scholarship recipients on May 28.
April 29, 2008
State Names Four MCS Schools as
2008 Title I Academic Achievement Award Winners
Memphis, Tenn. – Tennessee Education Commissioner Tim Webb has announced that four Memphis City schools are among this year’s recipients of Title I Academic Achievement Awards.
Delano and Keystone Elementary Schools, John P. Freeman School and Hollis F. Price Middle College were recognized by the state for their exceptional academic performance and for meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals of No Child Left Behind for two consecutive years. Each of these schools performed in the top 10 percent state-wide in Reading/Language Arts and Math during the 2006-07 school year.
“Recognizing our schools’ successes is as vital to accountability as implementing reform when needed,” Webb said. “Local educators and students should take pride in the example they have set for the rest of the state.”
Delano and Keystone Elementary Schools are past recipients of the national NCLB Blue Ribbon Award, which recognizes excellence in education at Title I schools. John P. Freeman was one of six state finalists for the same honor announced earlier this school year.
Title I is a designation given to schools where a large number or percentage of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For more information about the Title I Academic Achievement Award program, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.
April 25, 2008
MCS Offering Prep Sessions
for Gateway Tests
TOMORROW and May 3, 2008
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will be offering a series of Prep Sessions on the next two Saturdays for students who will take the Mathematics, Science or Language Arts Gateway tests next month.
Prep Session dates: tomorrow, Saturday, April 26 and Saturday, May 3. Each session will be held from 9 a.m. – noon at Frayser, Sheffield and Whitehaven High Schools.
Applications are available at all district high schools and on the Memphis City Schools Web site, www.mcsk12.net. Students should bring their completed application to their chosen site by 8:30 a.m.
Gateway test dates are scheduled as follows: Mathematics - Tuesday, May 6; Language Arts - Wednesday, May 7; Science – Thursday, May 8.
For more information about the Test Prep sessions, call 416-4552. For further
April 24, 2008
Students, Parents, Community Coming Together
for Annual Health Fair at Snowden School
Memphis, Tenn. – Parents of students at Snowden School have an exciting night planned at the school TONIGHT, April 24, to promote good health. Parents organized the school’s annual health fair, which is open to students and families throughout the Snowden community. The free event will feature various health screenings led by local medical professionals, healthy food giveaways from Kroger and Easy Way, yoga and exercise demonstrations and health-related contests and games for children.
The health fair will take place from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Snowden School, 1870 North parkway. Call 416-4621 for more information.
April 24, 2008
Overton High School Celebrates
10th Annual Art Fair
Math and reading scores show improvement among district’s fourth and eighth-graders
Memphis, Tenn. – A report released by the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) on April 22, 2008, shows that Memphis City Schools is making steady improvement in state-mandated tests over the last four years and that those scores are improving more rapidly than other school districts across the state of Tennessee.
The new CGCS report, titled “Beating the Odds: An Analysis of Student Performance and Achievement Gaps in State Assessments,” analyzed academic progress in 66 urban school systems in 37 states and the District of Columbia and shows that test scores overall are substantially higher in 2007 that they were in 2003 for fourth and eighth-grade students on state assessments. The report also examined and compared scores among racial groups and found that racial achievement gaps among students in urban schools, including Memphis City Schools, narrowed in math and in reading between 2003 and 2007.
The report showed that in the Memphis City Schools, 77 percent of fourth-graders scored at a proficient or advanced level on TCAP reading assessments in 2007, compared to 66 percent in 2004, giving the district an average annual increase of 3.7 percentage points; statewide, the gain among fourth-graders on TCAP reading exams was 2.3 percentage points over the same period of time.
Eighth-grade reading scores improved from 66 percent proficient or better in 2004 to 85 percent proficient or advanced in 2007, a gain of 5.3 percent points. In the state, eighth- graders measured a 3.0 percent improvement in reading over the same period.
Gains in math scores for the district’s fourth-graders were even more dramatic. Eighty-one percent of MCS fourth-graders scored proficient or advanced on their TCAP math assessments in 2007. In 2004, only 63 percent of the district’s fourth-graders scored at that level, giving the district an average increase of 6 percentage points. Among other Tennessee fourth-graders, the average annual improvement was 3.3 percentage points.
Math scores for Memphis City School’s eighth-graders also showed improvement between 2004 and 2007. In 2004, the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced was 68 percent. In 2007, that percentage rose to 78 percent, an average increase of 4.8 percentage points for those four years. Statewide, that compares with a gain of 2.3 percentage points between 2004 and 2007 in eighth grade math scores.
However, the scores of Memphis City School’s students are still lower than the statewide averages in reading and math. The average score for fourth-grade reading in the state is 88 percent proficient or advanced, and the average score for fourth-grade math across the state is 90 percent proficient or advanced, compared to 77 percent in reading and 81 percent in math among MCS fourth-graders. Among eighth-graders, state averages are 92 percent proficient or better in reading and 88 percent proficient or better in math; in Memphis City Schools, eighth-graders scores were 85 percent proficient or advanced in reading, 78 percent or advanced in mathematics.
Over the past five years, the district has implemented several strategies aimed at improved teaching and learning, including increased professional development for teachers, tutoring programs in reading and math, and district-wide reading and math initiatives.
Memphis City Schools is the largest school district in the state of Tennessee and the 21st largest in the nation, serving 113,000 students. Seventy-six percent of the district’s students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Statewide, 48 percent of students are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch. Eighty-nine percent of the students attending Memphis City Schools are African-American, compared to 25 percent statewide.
April 23, 2008
Overton High School Celebrates
10th Annual Art Fair
Memphis, Tenn. – Overton High School will host its 10th annual arts fair on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school, located at 1770 Lanier Lane.
Art created by students from Colonial, Willow Oaks, Rozelle, and Sea Isle Elementary schools, American Way Middle and Overton High School will be on display to highlight the “Celebrate the Arts” theme of the event.
The art fair will also feature a variety of food and art vendors, the LeBonheur health screening mobile unit, face painting and rides for the kids. Local radio and television personalities will be on hand to emcee festivities from the main stage.
The day will conclude with a special performance by the Overton High School Concert Band. Admission to the art fair is free. Contact the school at 416-2136 for more information.
April 22, 2008
Tennessee Titans Set to Visit
American Way Middle School
Memphis, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans Caravan will visit American Way Middle School on Thursday, April 24 at 1 p.m. The Titans will
deliver their special "Play 60"message, which asks students to get at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise every day.
Defensive end Jevon Kearse, "Voice of the Titans," Mike Keith and the team's mascot will visit the school. For more information, contact the school at 416-1250.
April 22, 2008
MCS to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Third
Annual Alumni Hall
of Fame Gala Benefiting MCS Arts Programs
Saturday, April 26
Black-Tie Fund-Raiser to Celebrate Six Distinguished MCS Alumni
“Queen of Beale Street” Ruby Wilson, Renowned Musician Kirk Whalum
to Headline Evening’s Entertainment
Memphis, Tenn. – A dazzling celebration showcasing some of Memphis City Schools’ greatest success stories is set to unfold on Saturday, April 26 during the district’s third annual Alumni Hall of Fame Gala. This red carpet, black tie fund-raiser will honor six distinguished MCS alumni while raising much needed resources for music and arts programs in the school system. This year’s gala will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Memphis Hilton Hotel on Ridge Lake Road. The event will begin with a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. and be followed by dinner and the awards program at 7 p.m.
This year’s inductees to the Memphis City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame are:
-- Charles Burkett – Treadwell HS, President of Tennessee and National Banks
-- Jacqueline Hicks Grazette – Melrose HS, Instructor of History, Ethics and Public Policy at St. Albans School for Boys on the National Cathedral Close in Washington, D.C.
-- Lt. Col. (ret.) Dexter Q. Henson – Fairley HS, U.S. Army, Public Affairs Staff Officer for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
-- Bill Ray – Kingsbury HS, Assistant Vice-President of External Affairs for AT&T (Memphis)
-- Beverly C. Robertson -- Melrose HS, President of the National Civil Rights Museum
-- Kirk Whalum* – Melrose HS, Renowned R&B/Gospel/Blues/Jazz Musician *Whalum will be inducted into Nashville’s “ Music City Walk of Fame” on Sunday, April 27.
This year’s honorees join an impressive list of past MCS alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, including: Elvis Presley, Avron Fogelman, Benjamin L. Hooks, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Cybil Shepherd, Kathy Bates, Isaac Hayes and Elliot Perry. Including the induction class of 2008, the MCS Alumni Hall of Fame has 48 members.
The third Annual MCS Alumni Hall of Fame Gala is sponsored by FedEx Corporation, Methodist-LeBonhuer Healthcare, Memphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union (MATCU), AT&T and Comcast. Co-chairs for the event are Carlos Webb, President of MATCU, and Ethele Hilliard, President of Partners in Public Education (PIPE).
For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2008 MCS Alumni Hall of Fame Gala, call (901) 766-9441. Tickets are $115.
April 22, 2008
Memphis City Schools to Present Proposed Boundaries
and Academic Overview of the New Fredrick Douglass High School
MCS Hosts Town Hall Meetings
Tuesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 24, 2008
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will host town hall meetings on Tuesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 24 to present the proposed boundaries and give an academic overview of the new Douglass High School.
The meetings will take place as follows:
Tuesday, April 22 5:30 – 7 p.m. Treadwell High School Auditorium, 920 N. Highland
Thursday, April 24 5:30 – 7 p.m. Cypress Middle School Auditorium, 2109 Howell
The new Douglass High School will open in the fall of 2008. For more information, please call (901) 416-4715.
April 16, 2008
White Station Seniors among First Group of
2008 National Merit Scholars
Memphis, Tenn. – The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced today that Sarah Stephens and Benjamin Yang, both seniors at White Station High School, have been selected among the first group of 2008 National Merit Scholars.
More than 200 corporate companies, foundations and business organizations representing nearly all sectors of American industry are funding this first group of Merit Scholarship awards, which honor students for their outstanding academic achievements and potential for success in a rigorous college or university program.
Merit Scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and provide annual stipends that range from $500 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use their award at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Stephens plans to pursue a degree in higher education using the scholarship she received from FedEx Custom Critical, and Yang expects to focus his college studies in the field of medicine with the help of his scholarship from Schering-Plough Foundation.
Last fall, some 16,000 students who scored highest in their state on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors were named Semifinalists in the scholarship competition. Winners are Finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in college.
Later this month, NMSC will name recipients of its National Merit $2,500 Scholarships. In May and July, winners of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be announced.
To learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
April 11, 2008
MCS to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Third
Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Gala Benefiting MCS Arts Programs
Saturday, April 26
Black-Tie Fund-Raiser to Celebrate Six Distinguished MCS Alumni
Black-Tie Fund-Raiser to Celebrate Six Distinguished MCS Alumni
“Queen of Beale Street” Ruby Wilson,
Renowned Musician Kirk Whalum
to Headline Evening’s Entertainment
Memphis, Tenn. – A dazzling celebration showcasing some of Memphis City Schools’ greatest success stories is set to unfold on Saturday, April 26 during the district’s third annual Alumni Hall of Fame Gala. This red carpet, black tie fund-raiser will honor six distinguished MCS alumni while raising much needed resources for music and arts programs in the school system. This year’s gala will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Memphis Hilton Hotel on Ridge Lake Road. The event will begin with a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. and be followed by dinner and the awards program at 7 p.m.
This year’s inductees to the Memphis City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame are:
-- Charles Burkett – Treadwell HS, President of Tennessee and National Banks
-- Jacqueline Hicks Grazette – Melrose HS, Instructor of History, Ethics and Public Policy at St. Albans School for Boys on the National Cathedral Close in Washington, D.C.
-- Lt. Col. (ret.) Dexter Q. Henson – Fairley HS, U.S. Army, Public Affairs Staff Officer for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
-- Bill Ray – Kingsbury HS, Assistant Vice-President of External Affairs for AT&T (Memphis)
-- Beverly C. Robertson -- Melrose HS, President of the National Civil Rights Museum
-- Kirk Whalum – Melrose HS, Renowned R&B/Gospel/Blues/Jazz Musician
This year’s honorees join an impressive list of past MCS alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, including: Elvis Presley, Avron Fogelman, Benjamin L. Hooks, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Cybil Shepherd, Kathy Bates, Isaac Hayes and Elliot Perry. Including the induction class of 2008, the MCS Alumni Hall of Fame has 48 members.
The third Annual MCS Alumni Hall of Fame Gala is sponsored by FedEx Corporation, Methodist-LeBonhuer Healthcare, Memphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union (MATCU), AT&T and Comcast. Co-chairs for the event are Carlos Webb, President of MATCU, and Ethele Hilliard, President of Partners in Public Education (PIPE).
For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2008 MCS Alumni Hall of Fame Gala, call (901) 766-9441. Tickets are $115.
April 11, 2008
Tune In!
MCS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Alfred Hall
To Participate in MSNBC Town Hall Meeting on“Race in America”
Nationally Televised Town Hall Meeting Will Air on MSNBC at 9:30 p.m.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Memphis, Tenn. – Dr. Alfred Hall, Memphis City Schools’ Chief Academic Officer, is one of a select group of educators invited to participate in a Town Hall Meeting on Race in America, hosted by NBC News Anchor Brian Williams, on Friday, April 11.
On April 11, MSNBC will broadcast the world premiere of “Meeting David Wilson,” a documentary in which filmmaker David Wilson traces his family’s history back to the days of slavery and their African roots. The documentary, hosted by Tiki Barber, challenges viewers to examine the racial divide in America and the legacy of slavery that continues to have an impact on the African-American community today.
The documentary’s broadcast will be followed by a live Town Hall Meeting on Race at Howard University in Washington, DC, hosted by news anchor Brian Williams. Dr. Hall is one of only 20 educators selected from across the country to participate in the Town Hall Meeting that will feature a panel of leaders from the community and the entertainment and media industries. The discussion is expected to center on what progress has been made in racial equality since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how further progress can be made.
NBC has also invited Dr. Hall and the other participating educators to share some of their new education initiatives while they are in Washington.
All travel expenses for Dr. Hall and other invited participants are being provided by NBC News.
April 10, 2008
MIAA Athletic Contests and Practices
Cancelled
Today Due to Expected Inclement Weather
All Other After-School Programs and Activities Will Continue As Scheduled
Memphis, Tenn. – All Memphis City Schools' MIAA athletic contests and practices have been cancelled for this evening due to expected inclement weather. Each school will be notified of the date and time for their rescheduled activities. All other after-school programs and activities will continue as scheduled.
April 9, 2008
MCS Chief Academic Officer
To Participate in MSNBC Town Hall Meeting on
“Race in America”
Memphis City Schools
Town Hall Meeting Will Air at 9:30 p.m.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Memphis, Tenn. – Dr. Alfred Hall, Memphis City Schools’ Chief Academic Officer, is one of a select group of educators invited to participate in a Town Hall Meeting on Race in America, hosted by NBC News Anchor Brian Williams, on Friday, April 11.
On April 11, MSNBC will broadcast the world premiere of “Meeting David Wilson,” a documentary in which filmmaker David Wilson traces his family’s history back to the days of slavery and their African roots. The documentary, hosted by Tiki Barber, challenges viewers to examine the racial divide in America and the legacy of slavery that continues to have an impact on the African-American community today.
The documentary’s broadcast will be followed by a live Town Hall Meeting on Race at Howard University in Washington, DC, hosted by news anchor Brian Williams. Dr. Hall is one of only 20 educators selected from across the country to participate in the Town Hall Meeting that will feature a panel of leaders from the community and the entertainment and media industries. The discussion is expected to center on what progress has been made in racial equality since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how further progress can be made.
NBC has also invited Dr. Hall and the other participating educators to share some of their new education initiatives while they are in Washington.
All travel expenses for Dr. Hall and other invited participants are being provided by NBC News.
April 7, 2008
Public Invited to Examine
Textbooks Under Consideration
for Adoption by
Memphis City Schools
Memphis, Tenn. – A Textbook Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, April 8, 9 and 11, to give teachers, administrators and the general public an opportunity to examine the Social Studies textbooks being considered for adoption for the next school year.
The Textbook Fair will be held as follows:
Tuesday, April 8 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
Friday, April 11 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Textbooks being considered will be on display at the Teaching & Learning Academy, located at 2485 Union Avenue. Forms will be provided to those attending for recommendations to be submitted to the District Textbook Adoption Committee.
“The Textbooks Fair is a beneficial event in the textbook process because it provides educators, parents, students and other interested persons with the opportunity to evaluate and comment on textbooks that are up for adoption,” said Meryl Isabel, MCS Supervisor of Instructional Materials & Resources.
Representatives from the various textbook publishers will be on hand and available for consultation.
For more information, contact Ms. Isabel at 416-5366.
April 7, 2008
Groundbreaking Set for New
Colonial Middle School
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will host a groundbreaking for the new Colonial Middle School on Tuesday, April 8, at 10 a.m.
Superintendent Dan Ward, Memphis Board of Education Commissioner Jeff Warren and Principal Marty Pettigrew will celebrate the start of a new era of learning in the Colonial Middle School community. Representatives from the architecture firm leading the project, Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., will also be present to discuss the design of the new facility.
The new Colonial Middle School will continue its Performing Arts focus and have the capacity to serve up to 1200 students. It will be built adjacent to the current Colonial Middle School at 4778 Sea Isle Road near the corner of Colonial. The school is expected to open in the 2009-10 school year.
April 4, 2008
Downtown Elementary School Closing at 12:30 P.M.
Today
Due to MLG&W Power Outage
Memphis, Tenn. – Downtown Elementary School will be closing at 12:30 p.m. today, April 4, due to a MLG&W power outage at the school. Parents are being informed of the early dismissal via the district's ParentLink phone messaging system. Students who ride the bus will be picked up at the school and dropped off at their regular stops, and staff members will remain at the school until all children are dismissed safely. Again, Downtown Elementary is closing at 12:30 p.m. today due to a MLG&W power outage.
April 2, 2008
Memphis City Schools Student Honored at
Tonight's Grizzlies Game
Craigmont High School Senior to Receive Don Poier Scholarship
Memphis, Tenn. – Ashley Jones, a senior at Craigmont High School, will be awarded the Don Poier Scholarship during tonight's Grizzlies game at the FedEx Forum.
Ms. Jones has maintained a 3.9 grade point average while playing first violin in the Craigmont High Orchestra, being a Bridge Builder, an active member of Youth United Way, and treasurer of National Honor Society. She has also been an active participant in the MCS Telecommunications program for three years. Ms. Jones plans to attend Tennessee State University in the fall of 2008, pursuing dual degrees in broadcast journalism and civil engineering.
The Don Poier Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Don Poier, the former voice of the Grizzlies who passed away in 2005. The scholarship provides support to students interested in pursuing careers in broadcast journalism. To qualify, students must have participated in the Memphis City School’s Telecommunications program and met high standards for academic achievement, leadership and community service. Mr. Poeir's wife, Barb Poier, and Grizzlies Foundation Executive Director, Jenny Koltnow, will present Ms. Jones with the award. l concepts and provide opportunities for students to perform and create individually and in groups while meeting MCS fine arts standards for music.
April 2, 2008
“Destination: Tennessee”
Hundreds of MCS Elementary Students to Pay Musical Tribute
to Tennessee during 2008 All-City Concert
Media Invited for Sneak Peak during Final Dress Rehearsal on Day of Concert
Memphis, Tenn. – Hundreds of Memphis City Schools elementary students will take the stage at the Cannon Center in downtown Memphis on Thursday, April 24 for a special musical celebration that will showcase the sounds of Tennessee. “Destination: Tennessee” is the theme for the 2008 Orff All-City Concert.
Students in the Orff Music program will bring to life the music of the Volunteer State through song, play and lively movement, capturing the essence and spirit of Tennessee culture.
Performances will guide the audience on a historic journey, spotlighting a myriad of musical styles produced in Tennessee over time, including everything from a Cherokee lullaby to classic Tennessee folk tunes, soulful gospel arrangements and playground jams. Also on the card will be a special surprise salute to one of Tennessee’s most famous R&B/funk/soul legends, Rufus Thomas.
All music for the 2008 Orff All-City Concert is arranged by Memphis City Schools’ Orff Music specialists. The production also features full-color costumes and stage settings constructed and crafted by students and their instructors.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Local media is invited to attend a sneak-peak of the performance during final dress rehearsal on the afternoon of the concert (April 24).
For more information, contact Lynn Bivens at Shady Grove Elementary School, 416-2166, or at 230-7346.
The Memphis City Schools Orff Music Program, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, allows elementary students to take part in active music-making through listening, moving, singing and playing of percussion instruments. The classes help to develop musical concepts and provide opportunities for students to perform and create individually and in groups while meeting MCS fine arts standards for music.
April 2, 2008
Seven MCS Seniors Announced Today as National Achievement Scholars
Memphis, Tenn. – A third of the high school seniors in Tennessee to be awarded in the 2008 National Achievement Scholarship Program are Memphis City Schools students. The scholarships are presented each year to the most outstanding African-American students in the country. Seven MCS seniors were named as winners in the scholarship competition this morning by the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
National Achievement scholars will receive either a one-time $2,500 National Achievement Scholarship or a renewable corporate-sponsored scholarship of up to $10,000. The awards may be used for undergraduate study at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
More than 140,000 students from across the country entered the 2008 National Achievement Program as high school juniors. Approximately 1,600 semifinalists were selected based on their 2006 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) scores. National Achievement Scholarship winners were judged to have the strongest record of accomplishments and greatest potential for academic success in college from a pool of 1,300 Finalist candidates.
Below are the names of the seven Memphis City Schools seniors awarded a 2008 National Achievement Scholarship:
Buolamwini, Joy – Cordova HS
Ingram, Ebone – Cordova HS
Frieson, Danielle – Central HS
Green, Eldridge – White Station HS
Reynolds, Dwon – Craigmont HS
Richardson, Ricky – Whitehaven HS
White, Keisha – White Station HS
Established in 1964, the National Achievement Scholarship Program is a privately financed academic competition designed specifically to honor scholastically talented African-American youth and provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding participants in each annual competition. The program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance.
For more information about the National Achievement Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
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