Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Delano Elementary Earns State Distinction for Exceptional Student Performance in 2006

Memphis, Tenn. – Delano Elementary is one of only six Tennessee schools to be honored with the 2006 Title I* Distinguished Schools award. The program recognizes highly successful schools serving a large population of economically disadvantaged students.

“These schools exemplify that all students have the ability to succeed when given a quality education,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “The teachers, principals and support staff in these schools have demonstrated exceptional commitment, and the lives of hundreds of students are better for it.”

Delano Elementary was recognized for demonstrating a track record of exceptional student achievement in back-to-back years.

“We are simply about the business of providing a quality education for our students." said Principal Patrice Shipp. "Our goal is to encourage our students to excel academically, become life-long learners and productive citizens.”

This is the third prestigious state or national achievement for Delano Elementary School in the last two years. In 2005, the school was ranked among the most academically superior schools in Tennessee and the U.S. as a national “No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School.” That same year, Delano was a national finalist for the annual Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards, which recognize schools across the country for implementing innovative programs to support positive educational outcomes.

Shipp attributes much of the school's increased success in recent years to the implementation of a well-rounded educational program that promotes the social, ethical and intellectual growth of the students with emphasis on a strong reading program and technology.

As a recipient of the Title I Distinguished Schools award, Delano will receive a $1,000 award. Shipp said she plans to use the money to purchase new books for her school library.

* “Title I school” is a federal distinction indicating that the percentage of economically disadvantaged students served qualifies the school for additional federal funds. Title I schools eligible for the Distinguished Schools award must have 35 percent or greater of their student body classified at the poverty level have met performance standards for two or more consecutive years, use research-based teaching and professional development successfully and engage in partnerships with parents and the community. Title I schools are recognized for exceptional student performance or for showing significant progress in closing the achievement gap between student groups.

For more information about Title I Distinguished Schools award, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Memphis City Schools Students Determined to Keep Memphis Beautiful
Mayor Herenton to Congratulate City’s “Waste in Place” Finalists at BOE Today

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools students will join others from school districts across Memphis today at the awards ceremony for the city’s “Waste in Place” contest, taking place at 9:45 a.m. at the Board of Education Auditorium. Mayor Willie Herenton will congratulate more than 250 winners and stay to enjoy some the special performances from the finalists.

The contest, which is also sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, challenged children in grades K-6 to put their knowledge and creativity to work to demonstrate their thoughts and ideas for making Memphis a cleaner place to live, work and play. Students submitted projects in the following categories: Poster Contest, Rap or Song, Bookmark, Essay Contest, Poetry Contest and the “Pick up the Pieces of Trash” segment, featuring trash that has been transformed into works of art.

The Memphis City Beautiful Environmental Award will go to the most outstanding entry among all first place category winners in a “Best of Show” presentation. A number of students will also perform their original songs during the ceremony.

For more information about the “Waste in Place” contest, call City Beautiful at (901) 522-1135.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Parent Waiting Line has Formed for 2007-08 Optional Schools Transfers

Memphis Tenn. – Parents seeking to transfer their children into the school district’s popular optional schools program for the 2007-08 school year initiated an informal waiting line at the Memphis Board of Education this morning. Linda Sklar, director of Optional Schools, said the waiting list was formed by parents to determine their place in line when Memphis City Schools begins accepting optional transfer applications on Friday, February 2.

The waiting list started around 3:30 a.m. at the Board of Education, according to David Bray, one of the group’s organizers. Bray said any parents interested in adding their name to the waiting list can do so during the following hours:

• Today, Jan. 29 – Wednesday, Jan. 31 – 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 1 – 6:30 a.m. until the start of the application period at 6:30 a.m. on Friday morning, January 27.

The first day of the Optional Schools transfer process is Friday, February 2 from 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Memphis Board of Education auditorium, 2597 Avery. However, parents are strongly encouraged to stop by the Optional Schools office in Room 106 by Thursday, February 1 to make sure that they have all of the proper paperwork before the transfer process begins Friday. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. and will remain open for applications until the first day of the 2007-08 school year.

The group will hold the first of two mandatory roll calls in the back parking lot between the Board building and the Park Commission building on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. for parents on the waiting list. A second mandatory roll call will be taken at 5 a.m. on Friday for the purpose of assembling parents into a line for submission of optional transfer applications and application documents.

Parents will need the following items when they apply:

• Completed Optional Schools application form
• A copy of the child’s most recent comprehensive report card
• Current TCAP or other state/nationally-normed standardized achievement test scores
• A copy of the child’s Social Security card
• Birth certificate for KK applicants to Double Tree & Idlewild only

First preference for available optional transfers will go to qualified siblings with brothers or sisters who are in satisfactory standing in the requested school at the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. 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 geographically assigned area of an
optional school automatically qualifies. Parents of these students should contact the schools directly.

For more information, contact the Memphis City Schools Division of Optional Schools, 416-5338.

Friday, January 26, 2007

MCS Provides After-hours Help on Test-Taking
Workshop will be held on February 1, 2007

Memphis, Tenn. -- The Memphis City Schools Division of Parent and Community Engagement wants to be certain that your child is ready for the upcoming state exams. District staff will hold a training workshop for students to provide them with test-taking tips for the TCAP and Gateway exams.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2007 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Teaching and Learning Academy, located at 2485 Union Avenue.

For more information, please call 416-7264.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Come Say Thanks to Commissioner Carl Johnson, Sr.
for 35 years of Service to Memphis City Schools

Farewell Reception Thursday, January 25 at 4 p.m.

Memphis, Tenn. – Family, friends, constituencies and all else who have come to know Carl E. Johnson, Sr. over the years are invited to attend a special Farewell Reception on Thursday, January 25 to thank the outgoing Memphis Board of Education Commissioner for his 35 years of outstanding and dedicated service to Memphis City Schools and to the city of Memphis. The Farewell Reception will take place at 4 p.m. at the Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union.

Johnson was elected to the Memphis Board of Education in 1971 and served as Board President in 1989 and 2002. During his 35-year tenure, Johnson became a member of theNational Caucus of Black School Boards, the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, the Tennessee Black Leadership Roundtable and served on the Board of Directors for the NAACP.

Born in Memphis, TN in 1935, Johnson graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1953, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lemoyne-Owen College in 1961 and received his Master’s degree from Memphis State University in 1975.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

New Small High School Renamed
“River City High School for Leadership and Service”

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis Board of Education Commissioners have approved the renaming of Memphis City Schools’ New Small High School to “River City High School for Leadership and Service.”

Principal Kana Mabon opened the school, which is currently located on the second floor of Caldwell Elementary School, on August 14, 2006. It’s designed to serve students in grades 9-12, with a maximum of roughly 60 enrollment spaces available at each grade level. Only ninth graders are attending this year, with a higher grade to be added each year following.

Mabon has helped her students find success during their first year in a “small learning environment,” guiding them along an “experiential” educational path that requires students to perform and make decisions in real-life situations as preparation for college, career and other post-secondary opportunities. Similar to selecting a “major” in college, students at the River City High School for Leadership and Service are able to create a specialized course path that best suits their post-secondary interests.

The River City High School for Leadership and Service is one of Memphis City Schools’ three “small schools,” along with Hollis F. Price Middle College and Middle College High School. It was established with the help of a $100,000 grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and received through the Coalition of Essential Schools' Small Schools Project.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Whitehaven Elementary Closed Today

Memphis, Tenn. - Whitehaven Elementary will be closed today due to a small fire that started at the school early this morning. No children were inside the school when the fire started, and there were no injuries. All children who arrived at the school for the Early Care program can be picked up at Whitehaven High School.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Academic Superintendent of MCS Middle Schools among Select Few to Attend Prestigious Broad Superintendents Academy

Memphis, Tenn. – Brenda Cassellius, Memphis City Schools’ Academic Superintendent of middle schools, is one of only 15 people from across the nation to be chosen to attend the 2007 Broad Superintendents Academy by the highly esteemed Broad Center for the Management of School Systems.

The academy trains prominent education leaders, business executives and high-ranking military officials to become urban public school superintendents. Participants keep their current jobs and attend seven extended-weekend training sessions around the country covering CEO-level skills in education, finance, management, operations and organizational systems.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work under one of the top urban superintendents (Dr. Carol Johnson) for years and to learn so much from her first-hand,” Cassellius said. “Now, I have this amazing opportunity to meet candidly with some of the other great leaders and administrators across the country, past and present, and find out what strategies have made their school districts successful. I’m very excited to be able to bring back plenty of knowledge and insight to share with our principals, teachers and staff at Memphis City Schools.”

By attending the 2007 Broad Superintendents Academy, the chances of Cassellius one day leading her own school district will increase significantly. Sixty percent of Broad graduates have been hired around the country as superintendents or school district executives, and roughly a quarter of large, urban school districts that have conducted external searches for new superintendents in the last two years have filled their positions with graduates of the Broad Superintendents Academy.

“This is a testament to (Cassellius’) ability and skill in leadership, her capacity to promote organizational change and her passion for children,” said MCS Superintendent, Dr. Carol Johnson. “She not only learns for herself, but freely shares her new knowledge with her principals and others in order to promote academic achievement district-wide.”

As Academic Superintendent of middle schools, Cassellius is responsible for the academic performance of 32 middle schools, including the recruitment, selection, evaluation and performance plans for the principal leaders and staff of these schools, which represent around 22,000 students.

Some of her proudest accomplishments include laying the groundwork and leading the implementation of the “Fresh Start” initiative for five of the poorest performing schools in the district and setting forth an array of innovative instructional strategies that helped seven MCS middle schools make their way off the state’s high priority list and into good standing in just a two-year period. Additionally, Cassellius received high praise for establishing behavior strategy (Blue Ribbon) that has fostered a safer and more respectful learning community. She also served as a leader in the acquisition of nearly $1 million in community grant partnerships to support the BRIDGES to Quality (B2Q) efforts and spearheaded the development of the Facing History initiative in middle school social studies classes.

The Broad Center for the Management of School Systems was established in 1999 and serves to dramatically improve student achievement in urban public schools through better governance, management, labor relations and competition. For more information, go to www.broadcenter.org or www.broadfoundation.org.

January 16, 2007

2007-08 Optional Schools Transfer Application Process
Begins February 2

Memphis City Schools’ 32 Optional Schools Hosting Open Houses for 2007-08
Recruits

Memphis, Tenn. – Parents interested in transferring their children into the Memphis City Schools’ popular optional schools program for the 2007-08 school year may begin submitting their applications on Friday, February 2 at the Memphis Board of Education.

When submitting optional transfer applications, parents should bring the following items:

• A copy of their child’s most recent comprehensive report card
• Their child’s Social Security card
• Their child’s most recent standardized achievement test scores (check with school)
• Their child’s Birth Certificate (only required for applicants to the district’s two kindergarten optional programs, Idlewild and Double Tree.)

Additional requirements may vary from school to school, and parents should contact the school they are interested in or call the Optional Schools office at 416-5338 for that information.

Parents who have already completed their paperwork are encouraged to stop by the Optional School office in room 106 in the Frances E. Coe
Administration Building, corner of Avery and Hollywood, by Thursday, February 1 to confirm that their paperwork is complete. Office hours are
from 7:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.

Any parents wishing to find out more information about any of the district’s 32 Optional Schools is strongly encouraged to attend one of the
remaining open house events between now and the end of the month. The open house events allow parents to tour the various schools, meet with
principals and teachers, find out about entrance requirements and review learning options, such as academic focus, course selection, extracurricular activities and school partnerships among other things.

Below is a schedule of the remaining Optional School open house events this month:

Parents should contact the appropriate school for further information about specific open house events.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

“A Celebration Fit for a King!”

Annual Goodlett Elementary Event Celebrates Life, Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Memphis, Tenn. – Goodlett Elementary School will present its annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “A Celebration Fit for a King,” tomorrow, January 12, honoring the civil rights hero with an inspiring selection of songs and skits that will be performed by students in grades K-5.

Honor Society students will set the mood for the program with an innovative rhythmic chant reflecting upon the entire civil rights movement. Fourth-grade teacher Wendolyn Petties will follow with “Dream the Impossible Dream,” an original poem written to encourage people to focus on the journey to success and happiness, and members of the school’s chorus will perform a creative and peaceful vocal interpretation of Dr. King’s dream. Other highlights will include the word-for-word recitation of the powerful and inspiring “I have a dream” speech by a group of students known as “The Dream Keepers,” as well as several other original songs and plays.

The program will conclude with an invitation for all parents and community members in attendance to pledge to keep Dr. King’s dream alive. Students will then release black and gold balloons outside the school in memory of Dr. King, while joining hands and singing “We Shall Overcome.”

“A Celebration Fit for a King” will take place at 1 p.m. inside the Goodlett Elementary cafetorium.

For more information, contact the school’s communications contact, Mary Giggers, at 416-2510. Goodlett Elementary is located at 3001 Goodlett.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Memphis City Schools Leads Tennessee in Number of National Board Certified Teachers Again!

32 MCS Educators Achieve Highest Attainable Certification Standard

Memphis, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Education has announced that 32 of Tennessee’s 51 K-12 teachers who earned National Board Certification this school year are from Memphis City Schools – more than any other school district in the state.

National Board Certification is the highest attainable certification standard for teachers. The 32-teacher increase this year is Memphis City Schools’ largest ever, bringing the district-wide total to 89.

“These teachers have voluntarily set a higher bar for their professional growth, which serves as a positive model to both students and colleagues,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “I commend teachers who strive to continually advance their knowledge of the profession and find new ways to reach every student they encounter.”

National Board Certification candidates undergo a 10-part evaluation process specific to the teacher’s discipline, including performance assessments of teaching strategies and subject knowledge. The certification process typically takes anywhere from 200-400 hours over a one-to-three-year period and is awarded through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Those who receive this prestigious distinction receive an annual salary bonus of up to $10,000, which is determined based upon their years of service in the district.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an independent organization formed in 1987. The board is governed by teachers, school board members, higher education officials, legislators, business leaders and community members. To date, 232 Tennessee teachers have earned National Board Certification.

The following Memphis City Schools teachers earned National Board Certification this school year:

• Sarah Armstrong -- Fox Meadows Elementary
• Elisa Bennett -- Downtown Elementary School
• Monica Bergin -- White Station Elementary
• Christin Casebolt -- Fox Meadows Elementary
• Elona Charbonnet -- Craigmont Middle School
• Allyson Chick -- Fox Meadows Elementary
• Loren Craddock -- White Station Elementary
• Yolanda Crawford -- John P. Freeman Optional School
• Lori Enos -- Richland Elementary School
• Christa Fitzgibbon -- Willow Oaks Elementary School
• Leigh Gary -- Idlewild Elementary School
• Joann Graham -- White Station High School
• Lori Guilliams -- White Station Elementary
• Sharon Hicks -- Winridge Elementary School
• Wanda Horton -- Whitney Elementary School
• Vicki Houlihan -- Avon Lenox School
• Jennifer Jackson -- Shelby Oaks Elementary
• Kim Jessee -- Oak Forest Elementary School
• Tressa Jones -- Oak Forest Elementary School
• Kathryn Jordan -- Double Tree Elementary School
• Virginia Dawn Lafon -- White Station High School
• Shannon Mcolgan -- Magnolia Elementary School
• Sherry Simmons -- Raleigh-Egypt High School
• Judy Stephenson -- Oak Forest Elementary School
• Wendi Sutton -- Oak Forest Elementary School
• Lisa Tamboli – Germanshire Elementary School
• Latonya Taylor -- Manassas High School
• Anne Whirley -- White Station Elementary
• Sonya Williams -- Raleigh-Egypt High School
• Debra Woods -- Balmoral Elementary School
• Fleacia Wright -- Peabody Elementary School
• Salli Young -- Ida B. Wells Academy

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at the Tennessee Department of

Education, (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

MCS Basketball Coaches Learn from the Pros at First Annual “Get Fit with the Grizzlies” Coaches Clinic

Memphis, Tenn. – Dozens of basketball coaches and physical education teachers will take the court at FedExForum tomorrow evening, January 10, to pick up some NBA coaching secrets from the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching and support staff during the first annual “Get Fit with the Grizzlies” Coaches Clinic.

The innovative “Get Fit with the Grizzlies” community program tipped-off in Memphis City Schools earlier this school year with an aim to encourage youth to be more physically active and to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Coaches and PE teachers were the front line of support for the program in the Memphis City Schools, pushing their students to meet the challenge of mastering the program’s specialized health curriculum and activities.

Now, it’s time for the teachers and coaches to get active, while learning some of the latest coaching and fitness techniques from members of the Grizzlies’ coaching and support staff. The clinic will provide tips on a wide range of topics, such as conditioning and nutrition, basketball drills and skills, stretching and how to avoid injury.

The first annual “Get Fit with the Grizzlies” Coaches Clinic takes place from 6 – 8 p.m. on the main floor of FedExForum. For more information, please contact Stacey Mitch, Memphis Grizzlies Director of Media Relations at 901-205-1494.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Memphis City Schools Launches 2007-08 Online Application
for Certified Teachers, Licensed Employees

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools’ Office of Recruitment kicked off its 2007-08 recruitment period today, January 4, 2007 for certified teachers and other licensed employees interested in working with the school district.

Memphis City Schools aims to fill teaching positions in all subject areas with qualified educators, as well as with recent college graduates and successful professionals with a desire to impact student achievement by teaching at the K-12 level. To apply for a certified teaching position or another licensed position, such as a school counselor or social worker, within the Memphis City Schools, applicants are required to fill out an online application and submit a resume at www.teachmemphis.org.

After submitting an application, candidates will be screened to ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements, including the possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher, as well as a valid Tennessee teaching license, a reciprocal teaching license from another state or be eligible for an alternative license in order to be considered.

After the initial screening period, eligible applicants will be invited to participate in a highly selective interview to learn more about teaching with Memphis City Schools and to share their interest in the position and describe how their experiences have prepared them to excel in an urban school district.

The Office of Recruitment remodeled its Web site this year to simplify the application process. The new Web site allows for more efficient communication throughout every step of the application process between the Office of Recruitment and applicants.

For further information about the online application process, visit www.teachmemphis.org.

For specific questions or concerns, contact the Office of Recruitment at (901) 416-0232, or send an email to info@teachmemphis.org.