July 31, 2006

Area businesses, non-profit and faith-based organizations provide much needed assistance to help MCS students with back to school needs

Memphis, Tenn. ñ August 14th is the first day of school for 119,000 Memphis City Schools' students, and some organizations are doing their part to ensure that students have the basics, such as school supplies and uniforms, when they return.

The Memphis Bar Association is holding a school supply drive for disadvantaged children. The organization will distribute the school supplies prior to the first day of school. Meanwhile, Hope Presbyterian Church in Cordova is providing backpacks and school supplies for children in inner city Vacation Bible Schools, and business supply giant Office Depot has committed to donating over 1,000 backpacks to MCS. The backpacks are valued at $18,000 and will help disadvantaged students.

"Office Depot strongly believes in giving back to the community in which we are doing business," said David Best, Business Development Manager. "It is one of our highest priorities to promote education, and this is one way we can do that."

First Friday's of Memphis, a social organization for urban professionals, is also heavily involved in supporting Memphis City Schools through its annual school supply drive.

"We have a database that has 7,000 professionals in it. We encourage them to bring school supply items to our events and in return they get a discount on admission prices to our events," said Montae Nevels, vice president of First Friday's of Memphis. "Last year's school supply drive was a huge success, and we hope to repeat those results this year."

There is no doubt that businesses and faith-based and non-profit organizations understand the value of educating all children and giving them the basic resources needed to be successful in school. Highland Street Church of Christ and its 17th annual School Store is another example. This event provides free school supplies to elementary schoolchildren. The event will be held Saturday, August 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at 443 South Highland Street in Memphis. Free school supplies will be distributed to 5,000 children in kindergarten through the sixth grade on a first-come first-served basis. The School Store is also sponsoring a free health fair for children and adults at the same time and place. Free school physicals and immunizations, dental exams and cleanings, vision and medical screening and treatment will be available for children.

Other organizations giving back to the community to name a few:

July 31, 2006

Klondike Elementary Cooking Up Fun
for Early Registration

Memphis, Tenn. ñ "Hot Dog! It's Time to go Back to School." Klondike Elementary School is hosting a hot dog cookout during the Memphis City Schools Early Registration period this week to help parents and students get ready for the new school year.

Parents, staff and school adopters will be out at the school on Thursday, August 3 and Saturday, August 5, from 11 a.m. ñ 3 p.m. each day, to help parents get their children registered early for school. They'll also be serving up plenty of hot dogs and painting kids' faces. Plus, McGruff the Crime Dog will be at the school to talk to kids about how make the upcoming school year a safe one.

"It's all about relations," said Klondike Elementary School Principal Joyce Anderson. "If we can begin building relationships before the year starts, then we'll feel pretty good about things heading in."

In addition to lunch and school registration, parents will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from Well Child, Inc.* about signing their children up for free health screenings that will take place at the school throughout the year.

Klondike Elementary is located at 1250 Vollentine. Call 416-4572 for more information.

*Well Child Health Screening Inc. (WCHS) visits schools each year to perform various health screenings that include medical, vision, hearing, developmental/behavioral and dental. WCHS does NOT treat children for any condition. If a medical problem is identified, WCHS will send a referral notice to the childÕs parents and primary care provider. These health screenings are provided at the school and are done during school hours.

July 31, 2006

Back-to-School Fun at Kirby Middle Begins with
"Rock the Block" Community Rally

Memphis, Tenn. ñ Kirby Middle School is getting a jump on another fun-filled school year with a giant community celebration during the Memphis City Schools Early Registration period. Kirby Middle and nearby Solid Rock Christian Church are hosting the First Annual "Rock the Block" community rally on Saturday, August 5 to help parents get their children registered for the 2006-07 school year and to encourage all members of the Hickory Hill community to become part of the Kirby Middle School family.

The rally will feature food and refreshments and loads of fun for the entire family, including clowns, face painting, moon bounce and a dunk tank. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be handed out on a first-come first-served basis, and there will also be plenty of live entertainment, such as gospel hip-hop acts, gospel step shows and other skits, provided by Solid Rock Christian Church. Administrators, teachers and staff from Kirby Middle will be on hand all day to assist parents with the registration process.

The "Rock the Bloc" community rally will take place from 9 a.m. ñ 3 p.m. at Kirby Middle School, 6671 E. Raines Rd. Additional activities will start at 6:30 a.m. at Solid Rock Christian Church, which is located across the street from Kirby Middle School.

For more information, or to find out how to participate in this event, contact LaTrenda Hicks at 416-9371.

July 31, 2006

Fun for the Family during Early Registration at
Delano Elementary School

Memphis, Tenn. ñ Delano Elementary School looks to get parents, students and community members pumped for another successful school year with a big community awareness celebration during Early Registration on Saturday, August 5.

Food and fun will be the highlights of the day, with plenty of school staff also on hand to help make the registration process a breeze for parents. The event will feature a balloon bounce, face painting, a super slide, live music and free giveaways. Plus, those in attendance will have a chance learn about school services, such as child care, and meet Delano's adopters, PTA members and other support groups.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. ñ 1 p.m. at Delano Elementary. Delano is located at 1716 Delano Avenue. Call 416-3932 for more information.

July 31, 2006

Big Expectations as "New Small High School" Opens this Fall; Enrollment Underway

New High School Continues Trend of Success in Small Learning Environments at MCS

Memphis, Tenn. - Kana Mabon* has always believed there is "nothing under the sun that can not be accomplished," thus explaining her heightened expectations and optimism as she prepares to lead a school with an entirely different learning philosophy than most are accustomed to in the Memphis City Schools.

On August 14, the first day of classes at Memphis City Schools, Mabon will officially open the doors of the district's "New Small High School," which happens to be located on the second floor of Caldwell Elementary ñ the former site of the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences. The school was started 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. It is a school for students in grades 9-12, with a maximum of roughly 60 enrollment spaces available at each grade level. Only ninth graders will attend the school this year, with a higher grade being added each year following.

The New Small High School was designed for students to take advantage of a smaller learning environment, in which teachers see no more than 80 students per day as opposed to the 150 students that teachers see at traditional high schools. Such a setting allows students to benefit from specialized learning plans and close, working relationships with teachers and advisors.

"I've seen so many instances where bright children aren't reaching their full potential in traditional schools, even in advanced classes and optional programs, because they lose interest," Mabon said. "For a lot of children, there's no sense of ownership in what they're doing (in traditional schools), and, unfortunately, they sometimes fall through the cracks. This (smaller learning) environment is designed to give them that sense of ownership and purpose in what they're doing."

Mabon describes the curriculum at the New Small High School as "experiential," consisting of rigorous academics geared toward college and career-preparation. She said students are asked to perform and make decisions in real-life situations.

"From day one, they'll start acquiring the skills they'll need to research colleges and careers and interview for jobs," Mabon said. "(This environment) allows students to be more flexible in their thinking and bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be after high school graduation, after college and 10 years down the road."

Similar to selecting a "major" in college, students at the New Small High School will be able to work with advisors to create a specialized course path in pursuit of a wide range of academic and/or trade interests at the post-secondary level and beyond. Unlike traditional high schools, the students will have the same advisor throughout their four years at the school, which will provide the students with more guidance along the way and help the school to better track their progress. Mabon said her students will have the opportunity to focus their studies in almost any area, including general academics, the arts, business, technology and a series of trades, as a result of partnerships between the school and the Memphis community. Currently, several potential partners are being investigated, including The National Civil Rights Museum.

In addition to academics, teachers and staff at the New Small School will emphasize elements of service learning, leadership and social justice in the daily curriculum. Students will also be asked to serve as mentors to the younger children attending Caldwell Elementary.

"By interacting with the elementary kids, I think the (high school) students will take more responsibility for their actions," Mabon said. "They'll understand that what they do sets an example for the younger students looking up to them. The experience will make them sensitive, and that can make a world of difference."

There are currently about 30 enrollment spaces left for the 2006-07 school year at the New Small High School, and applications will be accepted until the school reaches its capacity of 60 students. It is open this year to any ninth grade student who wishes to attend. However, beginning next year, students will have to meet certain requirements to attend.

For information about enrollment, contact the Office of Student Enrollment at 416-5830. For details about the New Small High School, call the Memphis City Schools main office at 416-5300.

Mabon will meet with teachers and parents after the start of the school year to decide on an official name for the New Small High School. The New Small High School will only be located at Caldwell Elementary for the 2006-07 school year. Presently, a search is being conducted for a permanent site that would open next year.

The New Small High School is Memphis City Schools' third small school, along with Hollis F. Price Middle College and Middle College High School.

* Kana Mabon

Kana Mabon is a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis and a former U.S. Army intelligence officer. She comes to the New Small High School having served as an assistant principal, instructional facilitator and teacher at Cypress Junior High School. She has also worked as a staff development coordinator at the Teaching and Learning Academy and as a representative for the New Teacher Center Project at The University of Memphis. In 2001, she received a National Educator Award for her teaching from the Milken Family Foundation.

July 28, 2006

Back-To-School!

Another Exciting Year at Memphis City Schools
Kicks Off August 14!

Early Registration Rolls Out Aug. 3 & 5

Regular Registration Aug. 8

First Day is a Full Day Aug. 14

New Pre-K Locations Open Doors

Log onto New Busing/Transportation Web Site

Dress for Academic Success: MCS Uniform Policy

Take Part in Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping Aug. 4-6

Two New Schools Join MCS Family

Safety Matters: MCS Blue Ribbon Update

Memphis, Tenn. - The 2006-07 school year begins on August 14, and Memphis City Schools is ready to welcome students and parents to an exciting, success-filled year. Memphis City Schools is making it easy for parents. Early registration for the 2006-07 school year will take place on Thursday, August 3 and Saturday, August 5. Regular registration is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8.

The first day of school, Monday, August 14, will be a full day for students in grades 1-12. Kindergartners will attend school on a staggered schedule between August 14 and 23, and their first full day will be Thursday, August 24. The Pre-K school year will begin with staggered entry August 24-25. Parents with students at the Pre-K level will enjoy expanded opportunities to strengthen their children's educational foundation with the addition of 25 new Pre-K classrooms in the district this year.

Good health is an important element to academic performance, and the district has provided parents with a complete checklist for immunizations and a thorough listing of local clinics where students can be taken to receive the necessary immunizations for registration.

This is the first full school year that Memphis City Schools and its parents will benefit from the district's EDULOG transportation Web service. The service is linked to the MCS homepage and allows parents to easily find out what their child's assigned school is, if they qualify for regular bus transportation and, for those who qualify, where the bus will pick them up.

Memphis City Schools will continue to require students to follow the same uniform policy this year, and, just in time for back-to-school shopping, parents can take advantage of State Tax Holiday August 4-6, which will apply to uniforms, shoes and other school supplies.

There will be two new schools opening this fall: A new small high school will offer a smaller learning environment that focuses on college and career-preparatory studies. A new elementary school with an Optional program emphasizing math, arts, science and technology is located just off Sam Cooper Boulevard near Overton Park. The Optional transfer process will continue until all spaces have been filled at the district's 32 Optional schools.

Memphis City Schools is committed to providing a safe learning environment for students, so this year, the district has refined its Blue Ribbon Plan based on 2005-06 data and input from parents, teachers and students.

Excitement for the new school year is peaking, and everyone at Memphis City Schools is looking forward to an outstanding year filled with stories of success and achievement on all levels.

Complete details about all of the above items and more are listed in the attached "Memphis City Schools Readiness Guide." For further information, contact the Memphis City Schools Office of Communications, Marketing and Development at 416-5628.

July 28, 2006

"Reach Back and Inspire"
MCS to Accept 2006-07 Alumni Hall of Fame Nominations Aug. 9-23

Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools' mission to inspire greatness in the classroom and community is best illustrated by some of the success stories that have grown out of this district over the years - by renowned social and cultural leaders such as Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, Maxine Smith and Bishop G.E. Patterson, by amazing business minds like those of Avron Fogelman and Kemmons Wilson, founder of the famous Holiday Inn hotel chain, and by world class entertainers like Elvis Presley and Isaac Hayes.

This summer, the legacy of Memphis City Schools and its efforts to "Reach Back and Inspire" will continue, when a new class of MCS alumni is chosen for induction into the district's Alumni Hall of Fame.

The MCS Office of Community Development will accept nominations for the 2006-07 Alumni Hall of Fame August 9-23. The Alumni Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet during the first week of September to review the nominations and select this year's inductees. Inductees will be announced the following week.

The Alumni Hall of Fame was established to highlight the accomplishments of MCS graduates who have not only demonstrated excellence in their careers, but have also made great contributions to their community and impacted the lives of others. Nominees must be graduates of the Memphis City Schools, however they do not have to be currently living or working in Memphis.

Nomination forms can be picked up in the Office of Community Development at the Board of Education building, 2597 Avery Ave. For more information, call 416-7600.

Chosen alumni are inducted into the MCS Hall of Fame during the month of May at the MCS Alumni Hall of Fame Gala. This red-carpet, black-tie event highlights the accomplishments of the inductees and raises much needed resources for arts and music programs for Memphis City Schools.

July 24, 2006

TENNESSEE TO LAUNCH FIRST ANNUAL SALES TAX HOLIDAY IN AUGUST
AUG. 4-6 TAX HOLIDAY ALLOWS FAMILIES TO SAVE ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES

Nashville – Tennessee’s first annual sales tax holiday is only two weeks away, and Governor Phil Bredesen is reminding Tennesseans about this long weekend of savings for families doing back-to-school shopping for supplies and clothing. The state’s first annual sales tax holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6.

All the details about the state’s new sales tax holiday are available at a dedicated Web site, www.tntaxholiday.com. A logo created for the holiday to post on Web sites and materials is attached. Also, an audio news release and script are available on this link: http://66.162.17.146/tnsalestaxholiday/.

During this designated three-day weekend, consumers may purchase selected clothing, school supplies and computers without paying Tennessee’s state and local sales tax on the items. This holiday also includes purchases of qualified items sold via mail, telephone, e-mail, or Internet if the customer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period.

“Creating this sales tax holiday was one of my goals from the beginning of my administration,” Bredesen said. “The sales tax holiday positively impacts education, our number one priority. The Aug. 4-6 sales tax holiday will provide tax savings for Tennessee’s working families as they prepare for the school year.”

The Department of Revenue offers answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the sales tax holiday:

What is a sales tax holiday?
A sales tax holiday is designed to provide relief to taxpayers by instituting a temporary sales tax exemption on certain items for a specific period of time. Tennessee is among 13 other states and the District of Columbia that have enacted sales tax holidays.

What items qualify for the sales tax holiday? 
During the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax:

Does the $100 exemption apply to the first $100 of a school supply or an item of clothing being purchased? In other words, if the selling price of a book or a clothing item is $105, is the first $100 exempt from sales tax?  
No. The exemption applies to items selling for $100 or less. If an item sells for more than $100 ($105 in this example), tax is due on the entire selling price.

Is there a limit to the number of items that may be purchased?
There is no limit to the quantity of items that may be purchased as long as the purchase price of each of those items is below the threshold provided in the law.

Is an exemption certificate required to take advantage of the sales tax holiday?
No exemption certificate is required to take advantage of the holiday.

Does computer software qualify for the holiday? 
No. While computers with a price of $1,500 or less may be purchased exempt from tax during the holiday, purchases of computer software made separately from the computer are excluded from the holiday and are subject to tax.

If I place an order for a computer on Aug. 1 and pay for it with my credit card, but it is delivered during the holiday, will it be exempt?  
No. Qualified items sold to purchasers by mail, telephone, e-mail, or Internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the customer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the holiday period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period.  Therefore, if the computer was ordered and the credit card was charged during the holiday period, and delivery was scheduled to take place after the holiday, the sale would qualify for the exemption.

Can I buy items out of town or out of state and still qualify for the holiday?
Purchases can be made from Tennessee retailers, including retailers that sell through the Internet or catalog if those items are to be delivered into Tennessee.

Will items purchased for my business be eligible for the tax exemption during the sales tax holiday?  
No. The exemption does not apply to items used in a trade or business or to items that are rented. If you make a purchase for an item that is to be used in a trade or business and the retailer does not collect sales tax from you, you are obligated to report this purchase and pay use tax on the item. You may report and pay this on your regularly filed return, or if you do not have a sales tax account, you may report and pay this on a consumer use tax return available on the department's Web site.

Need more information?

Special Telephone Hours for Sales Tax Holiday questions:
Saturday, Aug. 5 - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST
Sunday, Aug. 6 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST

July 21, 2006

Let's ROC! (Reclaim Our Community)
Memphis City Schools' New "Triple A" Summer Enrichment
Location Opens July 24

Memphis, Tenn. - Parents in search of a safe and enriching summer experience for their children will have an additional option, beginning on Monday, July 24, when Memphis City Schools begins registering children for the "Triple A (Arts, Academics & Athletics)" summer program at Robert R. Church Elementary in Whitehaven.

The free summer program is open to all children in grades K-5. The school will be open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday, until August 5. Up to 125 children can register.

All "Triple A" activities will be coordinated by MCS staff. Certified teachers will lead classroom sessions on language arts and math, and the school's PE teacher/coach will organize athletic activities such as basketball and soccer. There will also be dance classes, arts & crafts and music, as well as the possibility for extended enrichment in conjunction with the nearby Whitehaven branch library.

On Monday, MCS announced "Triple A" programs at Douglass and Lester Elementary Schools. "Triple A" was developed earlier this month as part of the "Let's ROC" (Reclaim Our Community) campaign. The "Lets ROC" campaign was started to inspire people in Memphis to do what they can to make the city a safer place to live and to improve the future of the community.

For more information about the "Triple A" program at Robert R. Church Elementary, contact Principal Commodore C. Primous at 416-0198. Robert R. Church Elementary is located at 4100 Millbranch Road.

July 21, 2006

Ida B. Wells Summer Enrichment Camp Creating Little Sherlocks

Memphis, Tenn. - Summer has been a mystery so far for students at Ida B. Wells Academy. The school's summer enrichment camp "It's a Mystery" has more than 70 students spending their days each week learning about what it takes to solve a crime from some of the city's top experts and by visiting places like the Memphis Police Department, local court houses and the city's Forensic Center.

The camp was developed based on a series of CourtTV lessons that were designed to enhance students' academic achievement. It uses creative ways to motivate students to read, write, and solve mysteries while participating in forensic science activities. The camp also focuses on elements of general science, math and social studies.

Through various forensic analysis activities such as toxicology, fingerprinting, hair and blood analysis and chromatography, students determine if a crime has been committed and if there are any prime suspects. Homicide investigators, U.S. Marshals, representatives from the District Attorney and other law enforcement figures and crime experts have also visited the classes to discuss criminal behaviors and methods of case-solving.

The camp ends Friday, July 28, when students put their knowledge to use by performing a series of original mysteries during a "Forensics Extravaganza" for parents and community members. For more information about the performance or about the "It's a Mystery" summer enrichment camp, contact Ida B. Wells Academy at 416-3210.

"It's a Mystery" Summer Enrichment Camp Activities

Today, July 21 -
Tour Memphis/Shelby County Juvenile Court and MPD Training Facilities
Monday, July 24 -
Presentation by Metro DUI Officers, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 25 -
Presentation by MPD TACT Team, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 26 -
Presentation/Tour by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Thursday, July 27 -
Presentation by MPD Robbery/Burglary Units, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Friday, July 28 -
Forensics Extravaganza, 1-4 p.m.

July 20, 2006

State Awards 25 New Pre-K Classrooms for 2006-07 to Memphis;
Memphis City Schools Pre-K Program
Expands to 51 Classrooms

Through the leadership of Governor Phil Bredesen and support from both the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Senate, the Voluntary Pre-K Program for Memphis has been expanded, allowing an additional 25 classrooms to be added to the 26 classes that were established in Memphis last year through the Voluntary Pre-K Program for Tennessee Act of 2005.

The Voluntary Pre-K for Tennessee initiative is to provide for Tennessee's four-year-old children an opportunity to develop school readiness skills in an environment that fosters the joy of learning and promotes success in kindergarten and throughout the child's life, with the first priority given to those four-year-olds who are at-risk.

The law provides for the use of $18 million in excess lottery dollars to establish quality pre-kindergarten classrooms through a competitive grant process. Memphis City Schools applied for, and received, one of the grants and is working in partnership this year with 16 new community partners, private three-star-rated childcare centers in the city, and with nine Memphis city elementary schools to implement the expanded pre-K program this fall for four-year-olds in Memphis.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with others in the community to provide equal access to high quality pre-kindergarten education," said Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent of Memphis City Schools. "We are committed to working together with our partners to raise the level of school readiness for the children in Memphis. We know that high-quality early childhood education helps all children, regardless of their family's income or family background, to develop better language skills, score higher in school-readiness tests and come to school much better prepared for learning."

"Through this new grant funding and by expanding our collaboration with three-star rated childcare centers, we have been able to almost double the number of Pre-K classes and the number of children who can be served by high-quality Pre-K programs," said Dr. Brenda Taylor, MCS Early Childhood Coordinator. "We believe that by working hand-in-hand with the community, we can ensure that consistent, high-quality Pre-K education can be made available to the children who need it most."

Dr. Taylor credits a broad spectrum of corporate and community early childhood education advocates, including childcare directors, for being instrumental in implementing the Voluntary Pre-K program in Memphis. This Pre-K Advisory Council is responsible for guiding the implementation of the Voluntary Pre-K initiative.

Dr. Taylor emphasizes that the program is for all children who live in the geographic area of Memphis City Schools. "Whether parents choose one of the partner childcare center sites, or whether they choose one of the Memphis City Schools sites, the program is designed to promote growth in academic and social skills, and we know the benefits of the program can affect and improve the chances of success throughout their lifetimes," she said.

Added to the list of Pre-K classrooms for this year are the following sites:

Alcy Elementary
Blooming Scholars
Community Child Care Referral Services, Inc.
Cultural Connection
Delano Head Start
Future Leaders
Goodlett Elementary
Gordon Elementary
Grandview Heights Elementary
Heritage Early Childhood
Idlewild Elementary
Jackson Elementary
Kiddie Kollege
Kinder Care Learning Center
King and Queens Day Care
La Petite Academy
Raineshaven Elementary
Red Robin's Academy
Riverview Kansas Day Care
Ross Elementary
Sea Isle Elementary
Southern Avenue ChildrenÕs Care and Development Center
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Sunrise of Sherwood
The Academy Child Care Center

Voluntary Pre-K classes, established in 2005, are also located at:

Berclair Elementary
Bluebird Learning Center
Bruce Elementary
Cherokee Elementary
Denver Elementary
Earnestine Rivers Child Care Center
Fairley Elementary
Georgian Hills Elementary
Getwell Elementary
Hamilton Elementary
Hooks Dimmick Child Care Center
Horn Lake Road Learning Center
Jessie Mahan Day Care Center, Inc.
Kids School Early Childhood Development Center
Knight Road Elementary
LaRose Elementary
Manor Lake Elementary
Memphis Learning Academy
Nat Buring Orange Mound Nursery Learning, Inc.
Oakshire Elementary
Primary Preparatory
Treadwell Elementary
Vollentine Elementary
Wells Station Elementary
Westside Elementary
White's Chapel Elementary

Parents interested in the program should know that:

For more information, contact the MCS Early Childhood Education Office at 416-3450.

July 20, 2006

Olive Branch Business Reaches Out to MCS Tutoring Program

Memphis, Tenn. - A global leader in manufacturing, the Alcoa CSI plant in Olive Branch, MS, has exhibited its commitment to providing skills and knowledge to the nation's youth through generous contributions to the Memphis City Schools.

Since the 2004-05 school year, Alcoa CSI has donated more than $20,000 to Memphis City Schools. Last year, the company contributed more than $5,000 to promote literacy within the district, primarily through the MCS Reads initiative. Last month, Alcoa executives presented a $15,000 check to the district's volunteer tutoring program Our Children-Our Future.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the community that we live and work in," said Rob Lowe, human resources manager at the Alcoa CSI plant in Olive Branch. "Thirty percent of our employees either graduated from Memphis City Schools or have ties to Memphis City Schools, and we anticipate that many of our future leaders at this company will be products of the (Memphis City) school system. So obviously, we have a vested interest in the (Memphis City) schools."

Each year, Alcoa executives meet in the fall to assess the needs of its surrounding communities and decide which institutions in those communities can benefit most from its support. The company awards grants to institutions with a focus in at least one of four "Areas of Excellence," including "Safe & Healthy Children & Families," "Conservation & Sustainability," "Global Education & Workplace Skills" and "Business & Community Partnerships."

"We felt very good about reaching out to the Memphis City Schools this year because we saw a real purpose there in promoting our 'Areas of Excellence,'" Lowe said. "Safety, health, families, skills, community - these are all important topics when it comes to children."

Alcoa's focus on "Global Education & Workplace Skills" involves the broadening of students' awareness of workplace skills and various career options while strengthening basic classroom principles. Memphis City Schools will use the $15,000 donated this year to help pay for books, supplies and other training materials that will allow the district's volunteer tutors to assist with some of those objectives.

Each year, Our Children-Our Future places volunteer tutors with K-12 students in the district's 30 high-priority schools to help them strengthen their academic foundation with focus on reading and math skills for at least 30 minutes per week.

More information about Our Children-Our Future is available on the Memphis City Schools Web site, www.mcsk12.net, or by calling 416-5732. To find out more about Alcoa CSI, visit www.Alcoa.com.

July 17, 2006

Craigmont High School Welcomes New Freshmen

Memphis, Tenn. - Craigmont High will host a special "welcome to the neighborhood" event for incoming Craigmont freshmen and their parents on July 27 and July 29.

The event will provide students who will enter Craigmont in August with information they need about beginning high school at Craigmont. They will learn about the school's Freshman Academy, meet the Craigmont faculty, receive their Supply Lists and more. The event will also include music, games, prizes and food.

Incoming Craigmont freshmen should plan to attend on one of the following dates:

Thursday, July 27, 4 - 7 p.m.
OR
Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

July 17, 2006

MCS Teacher's Work with Students Draws National Recognition

Memphis, Tenn. - The work being done in the classroom of a Memphis City Schools teacher was cited by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings at the Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher workshop in Hopkinton, Mass. July 12.

Secretary Spellings' remarks focused on the importance of improving science and math teaching in the nation's schools. In her speech before participants of the Teacher-to-Teacher workshop, the Secretary of Education cited two examples of teachers in the country "who are getting great results in the classroom and inspiring students." One of the two was Angel J. Perkins, science teacher at White Station High School.

"We can make all the right policy decisions in Washington, but without great teachers like you challenging your students to be their best and instilling in them a love of learning, nothing else matters," Secretary Spellings said. "And that's especially important in math and science where we must do a better job engaging students. One recent study found that 84 percent of American middle school students would rather clean their rooms, take out the garbage or go to the dentist than do their math homework. But that's not the case in Mark Hannum's classroom at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, DC where students bounce basketballs to model exponential functions on graphing calculators...or Angel Perkins' science classroom at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee where students learn scientific concepts through memorable analogies such as photosynthesis being compared to the gold rush or lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation being compared to how a pawn shop works.

"Mark and Angel don't just teach math and science, they show students how these subjects relate to their everyday lives. And if we as a nation are going to stay competitive, we must start using these same strategies in every classroom," Secretary Spellings said.

Ms. Perkins attended the Teacher-to-Teacher workshop in Massachusetts that was held especially for math and science teachers. In addition she was the only public school teacher who served as a panelist on a No Child Left Behind Sounding Board on July 13. Serving with her on the NCLB Sounding Board panel were a Missouri state legislator, the associate commissioner of the New York State Education Department, the director of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning at Marquette University, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, the South Dakota Secretary of Education, the Executive Director of Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights, a senior research fellow from the National Center on Educational Outcomes, the Chairman and CEO, Prudential Financial, Inc., and the Superintendent of Philadelphia Public Schools.

July 17, 2006

Let's ROC! (Reclaim Our Community)
MCS "Triple A" Summer Enrichment Programs Start Today

Memphis, Tenn. - Parents in search of a safe and enriching summer experience for their children can head out to Lester and Douglass Elementary Schools today for the kickoff of Memphis City Schools' "Triple A (Arts, Academics & Athletics)" summer program.

The free summer program is open to all children in grades K-5. Children who sign up will take part in all types of fun activities, including intramural sports such as basketball and baseball, dance lessons, cooking classes and various arts & crafts. The activities will be coordinated by MCS staff, and some will feature special guest instructors from the community. Plus, several teachers will be on hand at the school to lead a series of instructional math and reading sessions aimed to refresh the young minds before the start of the new school year.

Lester and Douglass Elementary schools will be open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, today until the start of the school year. Each site will register up to 125 children. Additional sites may be announced in the coming weeks.

"Triple A" was developed earlier this month in conjunction with the launch of the "Let's ROC" (Reclaim Our Community) campaign. The campaign was started to inspire people in Memphis to do what they can to make the city a safer place to live and to improve the future of the community.

For more information about "Triple A," contact Lester or Douglass Elementary Schools. Lester is located at 320 Carpenter St. The phone number is 416-5969. Douglass is located at 1650 Ash St. The phone number is 416-5946.

July 14, 2006

Summer Camp Preparing Students for Life in the Hi-Tech World; MCS "Techies" to Showcase New Tricks Today

Memphis, Tenn. ñ After a full week of dabbling in the world of digital technology, a group of Memphis City Schools students get their chance today to dazzle a live audience with the hi-tech skills they picked up at the 2006 Teen Tech Camp.

Tech experts from the Memphis Chapter of the Society of Information Management have highlighted the week of exciting lessons for local teens at the Memphis Library, which were all geared toward exposing students to the technology dominating a large portion of the jobs on the market today. Twelve middle and high school students from the Memphis/Shelby County Area, nine of which attend Memphis City Schools, have learned how to create podcasts, produce Web movies and edit scripts, design 3-D projects and video games, plus how to present their work to audiences in a school or business setting.

Media members are urged to visit the library this afternoon when the Teen Tech Campers present their final projects to local tech experts, business partners and community members. The event will take place from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 3030 Poplar.

Prior to the summer, the library sent applications to every middle school and most high school computer, math and science departments in both the city and county. The 12 finalists were selected based on essays and teacher comments.

For information about Teen Tech Camp, contact the Memphis Library's public relations office at 415-2846.