Brewster Elementary Students Set for Saturday Reading Party with Girl Scouts

Memphis, Tenn. – Rarely will you find a child who is happy to spend his or her weekend back at school. However, when there is pizza, free books and fun arts and crafts activities highlighting the afternoon, it’s not too hard to understand why school would be tops on the list of weekend plans for more than 100 children at Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary School.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 30, The Girl Scouts of America will visit Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary to host a reading party for more than 100 kindergartners and first graders. They’ll bring delicious pizza for the kids to snack on, as well as free books for every child and all sorts of other creative games and activities. Members of the Girl Scouts will also share some of their favorite stories with the students. The event will be highlighted by a $250 donation to be used for new books in the school’s library.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary is located at 2605 Sam Cooper Blvd. Call 416-7150 for more information.

Friday, March 30, 2007

MCS Students Getting the Swing of Golf

Local Golf Pros to Offer Tips during “First Tee” Training Event at Oak Forest Today, March 30

Memphis, Tenn. – There aren’t many activities more fun and relaxing on a sunny spring day than taking the clubs out and hitting a few balls on the golf course. Students at Oak Forest and 17 other Memphis City elementary schools have started to develop their love for the game this year through the First Tee National School Program*, a PE golf program developed by the World Golf Foundation. Today, the Oak Forest students will have a chance to mingle with some local golf pros, as well as instructors from the First Tee program, during a special training session at the school.

Some of the pros from Wyndyke Golf Course will work with the students and PE teachers to show them the proper techniques for swinging a golf club and how to hit a ball the right way, as well as some other fun activities that help explain the basics of the sport. Training sessions will take place from 10 – 11:40 a.m. and from 1-1:40 p.m. In the event of rain, the activities will be moved indoors.

Oak Forest Elementary is located at 7447 Nonconnah View Cv. Call 416-2257 for more information.

*The First Tee National School Program is operated in Memphis with the help of organizers of the Stanford/St. Jude golf tournament (formerly the FedEx/St.Jude Classic). The program exposes underprivileged and disenfranchised youth to golf and uses the sport to teach life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. The program will be installed in 50 schools over the next three years.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

South Side High’s Senior Projects Showcase Best, Brightest of School’s College Bound Students

Judging of High-Tech Student Presentations Today, March 29, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Memphis, Tenn. – The doctors, accountants, teachers and lawyers of tomorrow are showcasing their drive and spirit for success and learning today at South Side High School, in what has become an awesome tradition in the school’s community for nine years. Today, Thursday, March 29, is the second day of South Side’s Senior Project Exhibit, where judges from throughout the local and regional educational community will be on hand to award students for their year-long efforts and academic accomplishments.

Judging will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, which is now filled with TVs, computers, projection screens and other high-tech props that will be used to present the senior projects today.

Senior projects are basically a summary of a graduating student’s entire high school learning experience rolled into one an elaborate, high-tech presentation that highlights the concepts and skills they have mastered, as well as the college and career path they will follow beyond high school.Some of this year’s projects include presentations about stem cell research, anesthesiology, stock brokerage, childhood obesity and hair loss among many others.

Former principals from the Memphis area and lead representatives of “High Schools That Work,” the largest and oldest of the Southern Regional Education Board’s school improvement initiative groups for high schools and middle schools, selected the top 20 projects during the first day of presentations yesterday. At the end of the day today, they’ll announce a grand prize winner and three runners up, who will receive ribbons of excellence and cash prizes.

High Schools That Work organization identified South Side's Senior Project Exhibit as a best practice for high school education. Teachers say the projects are a clear example of how Memphis City Schools’ students are thinking beyond high school and proof that they are fully equipped to be successful in college and the professional world.

South Side High School is located at 1880 Prospect. Call 416-7380 for more information.

MLGW Announces “Back to School” Program For Local Students

Friday,March 23, 2007

MLGW supports the efforts of local schools to equip graduating students to be prepared for the modern world and its technically oriented workforce by seeking advanced education and training, whether by attending college, training in military service, or seeking admittance to a vocational or apprentice program. In line with Memphis City Schools’ “Every Child. Every Day. College Bound.” mantra, Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) is including employment at the utility company as one of those preparatory choices and is now offering MCS students the opportunity to become “MLGW Bound.”

MLGW Goes to School is a new MLGW program developed to encourage students in Memphis City Schools to explore career opportunities in the utility business, specifically Memphis’ own publicly owned utility. Details about the program and its exciting initiatives will be announced to the public on Monday, March 26 at the MCS Board of Education at 2597 Avery. Those participating in the event will be MCS MLGW President and CEO Joseph Lee, III, William (Rick) Thompson, Business Manager, IBEW Local 1288, Patrice Robinson, MCS Board President and supervisor of MLGW employee development (also known as MLGW University), as well as Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent, Memphis City Schools.

Additionally, Cable 19, the official television station of Memphis City Schools, will be airing an informational video for students and the community to view regarding the utility companies’ career options. The video will air according to the following dates and times:

• 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (Sunday- Saturday)
• 7:00 p.m. (Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun.)
• 7:30 p.m. (Tues., Thurs.)

MLGW has long been involved in the education process locally, with particular emphasis on the needs, support and training of students in the Memphis City Schools. MLGW supports such activities as summer internships, Junior Achievement, Explorer posts, and sponsors many programs at its adopted school, Carver High School. Now, with the initiative of MLGW Goes to School, many more students will become familiar with what kind of study and training is needed to prepare themselves for careers in the utility industry, including positions as engineers, electronics technicians, electrical linemen, accountants, drafters, customer service representatives, and many more.

Among its many initiatives, the MLGW Goes to School program will offer a summer job-shadowing program as well as a mentoring program for students to introduce them to the variety of careers at MLGW and the exciting working environment at the nation’s largest three-service public utility. This multi-year program will serve a dual purpose of not only making students aware of opportunities in the utility industry, but also providing the utility with a ready local resource for future talented and qualified employees.

To view an online video about the program, please visit http://mcsstream.mcsk12.net/video/comm/video/MLGW-PSA.wmv.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Caldwell Students Spark State’s Support for Observance of “Harriet Tubman Day” in Tennessee

Students to Celebrate Efforts, Commemorate First “Harriet Tubman Day” during School Assembly Tomorrow, Friday, March 9

Memphis, Tenn. – Inspired by a Black History Month lesson about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, students from Caldwell Elementary decided to write letters to state lawmakers in Nashville, asking them to commemorate Tubman’s life with a day of observance in Tennessee.

“It is my wish that other children like me will learn about slavery and the journey to freedom,” wrote fifth grader Aleina Wiley.

Those powerful words, along with similar sentiments from Wiley’s classmates, convinced members of Tennessee's Senate and House of Representatives to support a bill declaring March 10, 2007 as Harriet Tubman Day in Tennessee.

The students traveled to Nashville to meet with students from two schools in Chattanooga who also supported the bill and to watch as lawmakers approved the measure. During the visit, they had the opportunity to meet several of the lawmakers from the House and Senate who approved the bill.

Tomorrow, Friday, March 9, students of Caldwell Elementary will host a special community celebration at 8:30 a.m. to celebrate their efforts and to commemorate the inaugural Harriet Tubman Day in Tennessee. Members of the local media are encouraged to attend this special event to hear students read some of the letters they wrote in support of the bill and share their original poems explaining how they were inspired by the life of Harriet Tubman.

For more information, contact the school at 416-3200. Caldwell Elementary is located at 230 Henry St.

Harriet Tubman died March 10, 1913. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush declared March 10 to be Harriet Tubman Day. New York became the first state to establish the holiday in 2003. Harriet Tubman Day is dedicated to those who are willing to be of service to humanity and recognize all individuals who struggled to end tyranny and oppression.

Thursday, March 9, 2007

Open Enrollment Process to Begin March 27 for Memphis City Schools

Early Sign-Up for Parents Begins Tues., March 20

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools’ Open Enrollment process allowing interested parents to choose a school other than the one assigned by address will begin Tuesday, March 27. Parents can participate in early sign-up beginning the morning of Tuesday, March 20 at the Board of Education, 2597 Avery.

From 6:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, Memphis City Schools will offer “reservation tickets” – one per parent or legal guardian – at the Board of Education to help parents and guardians avoid the inconvenience of long lines during the application process. Application packets for Open Enrollment will also be available during the early sign-up period. Parent-sponsored line-ups or lists will not be honored, and MCS Security will not permit anyone to line up for the March 20 ticket process before 5:30 a.m.

In addition, reservation tickets and information packets will be available in the Office of Student Enrollment and Records, room 104 of the Board of Education, from March 21 until March 26, including some weekend hours. The office will be open to provide tickets and packets from 7:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. weekdays, March 21 – March 26; 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, March 24, and 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 25.

A “reservation ticket” will allow parents to drop off their applications any time between 6:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 or between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on March 28, 29 and 30. Tickets will be honored on those dates only. The ticket serves to hold a place for parents interested in the transfer process and eliminates the “line-up” that parents held in the past. Any application accompanied by a ticket must be dropped off in person.

All students who live in the Memphis City Schools district are guaranteed school assignments based on the address of the parent/legal guardian. Open Enrollment allows a parent/legal guardian to choose a school other than the one assigned by address if space is available in the school selected.

Due to the requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, a category has been established as part of the Open Enrollment process that gives top priority to students whose address assigns them to schools that have been designated by the Tennessee Department of Education as “High Priority.”

Pending adequate funding, students who qualify for and receive an NCLB transfer may also receive transportation to their desired school.

The priority period for all Open Enrollment transfer requests, including NCLB and sibling transfer requests, will end on April 13. After April 13, all open enrollment transfer applications will be processed on a “first-come, first-served” basis, pending space being available in the requested school. The Office of Student Enrollment and Records will maintain waiting lists for schools anticipated to be at enrollment capacity.

Parents may submit applications at any time from March 27 until June 29 for the 2007-08 school year. Applications with tickets will be processed first within the respective transfer priority categories. Applications will be available beginning March 20 in the Office of Student Enrollment and Records, at all Memphis City Schools and on the MCS web site, www.mcsk12.net. Applications will also be available in the MCS Board of Education Auditorium on March 27.

For more information, call the Office of Student Enrollment and Records at 416-5830 or visit the Memphis City Schools web site, www.mcsk12.net.

Tuesday, March 7, 2007

Memphis Tigers Tip Off Conference USA Tournament Week with Pep Rally at Georgia Avenue Elementary School Today

Students from 26 Schools to Attend 2007 C-USA Tourney through NikeGO Partnership

Memphis, Tenn. – March Madness in Memphis begins at Georgia Avenue Elementary School. Students at the school will be the first fans in the city to get an up close and personal look at some of the teams playing for the chance to cut down the nets at this year’s Conference USA Basketball Tournament.

Today, Wednesday, March 7, members of the Memphis Tigers basketball team will join players from Houston, Tulane and Central Florida at Georgia Avenue Elementary for a pep rally to tip off the big week of basketball in Memphis. The pep rally will take place at 11 a.m.

Players will meet with students to talk about teamwork and setting goals and how both are important steps to achieving dreams. There will also be some time for players to take pictures with the kids and sign autographs.

The visit is sponsored by Nike, which is paying for more than 2,500 Memphis City Schools students to attend select games at this year’s C-USA Tournament at FedExForum through its NikeGO partnership with the district.

The students will also receive free shirts and transportation.

A  total  of 26 Memphis City Schools benefit from the NikeGO program, which has  been  in  place for four years and provides more than $10,000 worth of Nike  fitness  equipment  for each participating school. The program allows the  district’s  physical  education  instructors  to  attend  the state-of the-art  Nike  sports  complex  here  in Memphis several times each year to learn  new-age  techniques for applying fitness and nutrition principles to everyday  learning. Instructors say NikeGO has been instrumental in getting kids more active.

March 5,2007

Running = Reading!

 MCS Senior Holds Third Annual “Kids4Kids” 5K to Benefit Elementary School  Libraries Sat., March 24 at Audubon Park

Memphis, Tenn. — For a third straight year, runners across the city will lace up their sneakers to support the literacy in Memphis City elementary schools. The annual “Kids4 Kids” 5K race, which raises money for new books at elementary school libraries, will be held Saturday, March 24 at Audubon Park.

Shruti Shah, a Senior at White Station High School, started the race back in 2005. Since then, she’s helped raise more than $43,000 for new books at 20 elementary schools.

“I started this event because I wanted to help education in my city,” Shah said. “It’s been a really fun race the last couple of years, and I’m so glad that I can make a difference in the lives of other kids.”

The “Kids4 Kids” 5K race is open to people of all ages. The event is designed to be fun, so participants are not required to run. Walking is allowed.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race, with the race starting promptly at 9 a.m. The cost is $11 for kids, $19 for adults and $55 for a family of four.

People can sign up for the race in advance by going online to
www.racesonline.com. Applications are also available at Fleet Feet, 571 Erin Drive. The cost to pre-register is $10 for kids, $16 for adults and $45 for a family of four. Applications for pre-registration must be postmarked by March 13.

Awards will be given out for the best overall male and female times and the best times in the Masters (40+) and Grand Masters (50+) brackets. Runners with the top three times in each age of the 11 age groups will also receive prizes.

All registered participants will receive a free T-shirt. There will also be free post-race refreshments provided by Palazola Produce, Pepsi and Gibson’s Donuts.

Send applications to:
Partners in Public Education/C/O “Kids4 Kids” 5K
5101 Wheelis Drive
Memphis, TN, 38117

For more information, contact Shruti Shah at 818-9997, Tanner Baker at 550-0838 or Percy Baker at 337-0838.

Friday, March 2, 2007

“Got Breakfast?”

MCS to Announce Free Universal Breakfast Program for K-8 Students during Press Conference Tuesday, March 6 at 8 a.m.

Board Members, District Leaders to Join Students at Brewster Elementary for a Quick Bite to Start the Morning Right

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will hold a press conference to announce the district’s new Universal Breakfast Program on Tuesday, March 8 at 8 a.m. Board of Education members and district leaders will join students from Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary School for a healthy breakfast that morning before discussing the new program with members of the local media.

The Universal Breakfast Program offers breakfast at no charge to students in grades K-8, regardless of income. It was started based on numerous studies concluding that students who eat a healthy breakfast at the start of the school day perform better in math, reading and on cognitive and standardized tests than students who skip breakfast or eat breakfast at home. Breakfast has also been proven to improve attentiveness and attendance and decrease distractions associated with behavior.

Additionally, the district also recognizes that not all families can afford to provide healthy breakfasts at home or pay for breakfast at school.

The first phase of the program was implemented in January at elementary and middle schools with the highest number of students eligible for free/reduced and lowest breakfast participation. Memphis City Schools’ Division of Nutrition Services aims to have an expanded breakfast program available for every K-8 student in the district by the end of this month.

For more information about the Universal Breakfast Program or the many other programs offered through the Division of Nutrition Services, call 416-5550.

Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary School is located at 2605 Sam Cooper Boulevard.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Memphis City Schools’ Music Programs Playing to a Tune of Success!

MCS Named among Nation’s “Best 100 Communities for Music Education” Second Straight Year

Supt. Dr. Carol Johnson Honored with National VH1 Save the Music Award in New Orleans

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis is known worldwide as the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll and a hotbed for the some of the most famous blues music ever heard.

Fortunately for local youth, the city’s long-time love affair with all things musical has translated into amazing support and ample opportunities to explore the world of music in the Memphis City Schools. From an outstanding staff of Orff* music teachers laying the instrumental foundations at the elementary level and nationally recognized optional studies** in vocal and instrumental music to specialized charter programs*** organized through one of the most famous recording studios in the world and partnerships with some of the largest organizations supporting music in the country, Memphis City Schools has mastered the tune of success when it comes to music education.

For the second consecutive year, Memphis City Schools has been selected as one of the nation’s “Best 100 Communities for Music Education” by the American Music Conference (AMC). The district was recognized based on its actions and commitment to music through budget, staffing, vast variety of educational programs, instructor certification, availability of private instruction and many other criteria.

"Research tells us that music education builds strong bridges to success in school and in life,” says Mary Luehrsen, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for NAMM, the International Music Products Association. “The 'Best 100' survey highlights communities in America that are committed to creating opportunities for music education for children and young people."

Highlighting the year’s efforts toward promoting music and the arts in Memphis City Schools was this week’s ceremony in New Orleans, LA honoring Superintendent Dr. Carol R. Johnson with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation’s Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education. The national award is given every year to a superintendent who demonstrates unrivaled support for making instrumental music an integral part of the core curriculum in his/her school district.

“Dr. Johnson’s commitment to music education programs throughout Memphis City Schools truly embodies the intent of this award,” said Paul Cothran, Executive Director of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. “Each Memphis City Schools student that is affected by the benefits of music is a testament to Dr. Johnson’s commitment to music education.”

Dr. Johnson has remained a champion for education of music and the arts, leading the resurgence of such programs in the district since arriving as Superintendent of Memphis City Schools in October of 2003. She has continued to defend the need for music education even in the face of adversity and budget cuts.

“There is a mounting body of research that shows students who have a comprehensive education in music and the arts perform better academically,” Johnson stated. “There is no substitute for the learning that music and the arts bring into the lives of our children. The gift is priceless.”

Since 1999, Memphis City Schools’ partnership with VH1 has generated more than $700,000 worth of new musical instruments, and Dr. Johnson’s continued dedication to the mission of the program has also led to new alliances with local Save the Music supporters, such as Amro Music, which assists in the delivery of new instruments to schools, and helped more students take advantage every year.

From Board meetings to official receptions and the large district-wide assembly held each August to launch the new school year, Dr. Johnson seeks opportunities to showcase the talents of both student musicians and the district’s music educators. In the spring of 2006, she worked to have the District’s annual recognition of outstanding alumni transformed into a Gala fundraiser for arts programming, including purchase of new musical instruments, in our schools. After expenses, more than $54,000 was raised to support the arts, with $50,000 of that amount going to purchase needed musical instruments in the district’s schools.

*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.

**Overton High School is the city’s only public high school with a focus on creative and performing arts. The school’s Optional program includes a rigorous course of studies in vocal and instrumental music as part of its core curriculum, showcases the abilities of its students and organized performance groups on a state, regional and national stage and celebrates music through a number of prestigious partnerships, including Sony and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Younger students enjoy similar learning experiences at several other schools, including Rozelle Elementary and Colonial Middle School, both of which are part of the district's Optional Schools.

***Additionally, the Stax Music Academy, a Memphis City Charter School located in world famous Soulsville USA, has served as a unique learning center for 6th - 12th graders from all over Memphis for several years, providing music education and exciting performance opportunities designed to enhance our students' musical abilities and their academic and leadership skills. Stax also offers the SNAP! In School program, the academy's unique collection of workshops, field trips and guest speakers that compliment the core curriculum.

Strings, choirs and various themed bands are also part of the wide-range of musical offerings available at every Memphis City school. For more information about music education, visit http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/tlapages/music/index.asp.

To learn more about the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, visit http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/. More information about the American Music Conference and the “Best 100 Communities for Music Education” is available at www.amc-music.com.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Parent Training Sessions for TCAP/Gateway Exams Tonight

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis City Schools Parent Learning Academy is holding a training session tonight, Thursday, March 1, for parents
interested in learning effective study strategies and test-taking tips to help their child prepare for the upcoming TCAP/Gateway exams.

The session will take placed from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Brownsville Road Elementary, 5292 Banbury. Refreshments will be served. Call 416-7264 for more information.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Memphis City Schools Launches
“Every Child. Every Day. College Bound.”
Community Awareness Campaign

Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to adopt Every Child. Every Day. College Bound. as the district’s official brand.  Accordingly, Memphis City Schools has launched a community awareness campaign focused on the district’s mantra to elevate understanding of the brand and to highlight exceptional student success stories that exemplify its meaning.

 The brainchild of Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, Every Child. Every Day. College Bound. communicates her belief in equity and access to quality education for all 117,000 students of Memphis City Schools, the nation’s 21st largest public school district.  The energy and inspiration behind the district’s mantra has ignited enthusiasm and continues to serve as a force for excellence at all levels in preparing children for post-secondary education and beyond.

 “The phrase ‘Every Child. Every Day. College Bound.’ means more to me than just another catchy slogan or marketing campaign,” said Dr. Carol R. Johnson. “My life’s work has been centered on this most fundamental belief – that every child regardless of race, gender, family income, IQ score, ethnicity, handicapping condition or learning disability should have the opportunity to achieve to his or her fullest potential and experience teachers who fully believe that they are college material and engage them accordingly.”

 The community awareness campaign for Every Child. Every Day. College Bound will focus on helping community members understand that “college bound” is not limited to students who pursue a traditional four-year university or college degree, but includes students who attend a two-year community or technical school, a trade school or other fields including the arts and music. High school is not the end, but rather the beginning of life-long learning.

 “Increasingly in this time of rapid technological change and high
 poverty, it is an absolute necessity for our students to pursue some form of post-secondary education if they expect to attain a decent standard of living,” adds Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.  “Every Child. Every Day. College Bound. sets the bar high in each classroom in every school, and our singular goal is to educate every single child so that they are prepared for a post-secondary experience.  By clearly articulating our vision – Every Child. Every Day. College Bound – we hope to send a message to our students and their families, our staff and the entire community that our journey is educational excellence—not just for some, but for all.”

 During the community awareness campaign, the success of Memphis City Schools’ students will be highlighted through various channels including billboards, bus transits, public transportation buses, print ads, radio interviews and the television PSA (public service announcement) “I Believe.”  The children appearing in the ads are all high school seniors from Memphis City Schools who have been accepted to colleges or trade schools (click here for a list of billboard locations).  To view the PSA currently running on broadcast and cable TV, click on the following link:
  http://mcsstream.mcsk12.net/video/comm/video/College_Bound.wmv.

 The campaign was funded by both private support and in-kind support from media, business sponsors and other supporters of public education.

 Memphis City Schools' marketing campaign for Superintendent Johnson's brainchild, Every Child. Every Day. College Bound., was developed in-house by the Department of Communications and Marketing, under the leadership of Rita Cooper, Executive Director.  Cooper, a Memphis City Schools' graduate of Overton High, joined the district from her post as Director Publicity for Warner Bros. Worldwide Television, where she developed marketing and public relations strategies for internationally recognized brands such as Harry Potter, Batman and Looney Tunes.

 To learn more about Every Child. Every Day. College Bound. and Memphis City Schools, visit the district’s Website at ww.mcsk12.net.  To submit a “College Bound.” success story, please contact the Department of Communications & Marketing at 416-5628.