Friday, December 15, 2006

Balmoral Elementary Nominated by State
for National Blue Ribbon School of the Year Award

Memphis, Tenn. – Balmoral Elementary School has been nominated by Tennessee Education Commissioner Lana Seivers for the prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools national award program for 2007. Balmoral was nominated for its dramatic
improvement in student achievement, despite more than 40 percent of its students coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The school is one of six from across the state nominated for the national award program.

“These schools have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and are serving their students well,” Seivers said. “I always look forward to opportunities that allow outstanding schools to be recognized publicly.”

Principal Barbara Morano considers the nomination an outstanding honor especially for her teachers, staff and parents who dedicate so much time and effort to helping students succeed. Morano, who took over as principal
of Balmoral this year, also gave much credit to the school’s previous leadership team that set a foundation for achievement – a foundation she is committed to building upon.

“Our former principal really set the motions in place for our school to succeed,” Morano said. “We’ve had a great teaching staff over the years, including four who have received the Rotary Award for Teaching Excellence. We’re all very positive at this school and very driven to keep our kids moving in the right direction.”

Morano attributes some of the school’s recent improvements to Memphis City Schools’ extended learning programs, which provide after-school tutoring and mentoring, its focus on literacy through the Accelerated Reader program and school-based incentives for perfect attendance and good behavior.

“We let our students know every day that we are so glad to see them at school, and it seems to make an impact,” Morano said.

Schools may qualify for a nomination for the Blue Ribbon Schools national award program in two categories: schools where at least 40 percent of students are economically disadvantaged and made dramatic achievement gains
or schools that performed in the top 10 percent in the state.

Past recipients of the national Blue Ribbon School of the Year award from Memphis City Schools include Keystone and Delano Elementary Schools.

For more information about the 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools national program,contact (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us

December 13, 2006

MCS Hosts Workshop on Healthy Eating

Families Learn How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Memphis, Tenn. - A workshop will be held December 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Geeter Middle School to teach participants how to maintain a healthy family. Presenters will address topics including how to make smart food choices, exercise options and tips on staying emotionally healthy.

The workshop is being presented by Memphis City Schools Division of Parent and Community Engagement. For more information, please call 416-7264.

December 7, 2006

Best of Memphis City Schools on Display at Second Annual School Choice Fair

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, December 9
School Choice Fair to Feature a Spirited Showing of Nearly 200 Schools, District Programs
and Exciting Live Entertainment

Memphis, Tenn. – On Saturday, December 9, Memphis City Schools will hold its second annual School Choice Fair at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. The School Choice Fair is one of the district’s most exciting and informative grandstand events, featuring a colorful and spirited display of every elementary, middle and high school, a broad range of district services and programs and some very engaging live entertainment.

The School Choice Fair is the first step for parents who want to take an active interest in choosing the right learning options for their child. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with teachers and principals to discuss school courses, programs and extra-curricular activities and attend a series of workshops offering information about Optional Schools, Open Enrollment and No Child Left Behind.

“It’s important that parents take advantage of the School Choice Fair because it gives them the power to choose the best learning environments for their child,” said Superintendent Carol Johnson. “If parents are more active in finding the programs that best fit the needs of their child’s school, we as administrators and teachers feel like the children in our school district will have the greatest opportunities to succeed.”

The School Choice Fair drew thousands of people in its first year, and this year promises to be even more entertaining, with featured guest Mychal Wynn - a nationally acclaimed parent motivator, author and expert on student achievement - highlighting the afternoon on stage. Sharing the spotlight and providing live entertainment throughout the day will be some of the district’s best school choirs.

Representatives from Methodist Healthcare and Well Child will also be offering free family health screenings, and there will be free giveaways throughout the day.

Admission is free for the School Choice Fair. Free parking and shuttle transportation will be available on the day of the fair at the South lot of the Pyramid arena and at the Board of Education building, 2597 Avery. There will also be free child care available for children ages 4-12 on site.

The School Choice Fair will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Main Hall of the Memphis Cook Convention Center.