October 27, 2006

Memphis High School Students Invite Community to "Converse" About Improving School Issues

Students Urge Community Leaders, Elected Officials, Educators, Parents, Students to Attend

Memphis, Tenn. –Students from District I high schools of Memphis City Schools will host a "Community Conversation" on Saturday, November 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Craigmont High School.  The theme of the forum is "Bridging the Gap," and the entire community is invited to participate and discuss how the district can address a myriad of issues in schools, including parental involvement, student achievement and safe schools.

"Students see and hear what contributes to many of the problems that occur inside of our schools, and we can provide feedback on possible solutions," said Chisca Davis, student at Craigmont High School.

The students planning the event represent Craigmont, Frayser, Kingsbury, Trezevant and Raleigh Egypt High Schools and were invited to serve as "student commissioners" for the project.  Led by Memphis Board of Education Commissioner Stephanie Gatewood of District I, the students have worked over the past month to develop the event as a means of encouraging community involvement in schools. Their goals are to promote positive relationships among parents, administrators and students while expanding opportunities for students to thrive and succeed in a safe learning environment.

October 27, 2006

Memphis City Schools Now Accepting Applications for 20 Full-Time
Security Positions

Applications Accepted Online through Saturday, November 4

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools is currently accepting applications for 20 full-time security positions. Anyone interested in applying for this position can do so on the Memphis City Schools Web site, www.mcsk12.net. The last day to submit an application is Saturday, November 4.

This position is responsible, under the supervision of the Chief of Security Services and Patrol Unit Coordinator, for a wide range of security activities that assists in protecting students, personnel and the property both during the school day and when school is not in session. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the apprehension and arrest of persons committing criminal acts on school or district property, assisting with police investigations and providing crowd control and personal security for staff and school commissioners at public events and meetings. Generates and maintains detailed records for all activities while on duty. 

Applicants must have a valid Tennessee driver's license and possess a high school diploma or GED. An Associate's Degree or at least 60 college credit hours, as well as previous police, security or military experience, is preferred. A criminal background and drug screening will also be performed prior to beginning work.

Pay for this position starts at $15.05 per hour. Some overtime hours will be required.

New hires must complete necessary law enforcement and firearm training courses and be eligible for POST (Police Officer Standard Training) certification.  

For more information about this job posting, visit www.mcsk12.net

October 25, 2006

Memphis City Schools' Alternative Schools Director to Receive the MPACT Educational Achievement Award

Memphis, Tenn. – Joris Ray, director of Memphis City Schools' Division of Alternative Schools, will be presented with the Educational Achievement Award by MPACT Memphis tonight, October 25, during the fifth annual MPACT Maker Awards ceremony.

The MPACT Maker Awards recognize the outstanding community achievements of young Memphians (21-40 years of age) in key areas of civic or professional involvement. Also on tonight's list of honorees is Tomeka Hart, Memphis Board of Education Commissioner for schools in District 7. Hart will receive the Political Achievement Award.

The MPACT Maker Awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at the LOFTS at the South Bluffs (505 Tennessee Street). Call 312-7760 for more information.

October 23, 2006

Memphis City Schools Thanks Local Community for Outstanding Support during Memphis Goes Back
to School Week

Community-School Relationships Shine during Memphis Goes Back to School Week

Donations, Partnerships & Memorable Encounters  Among the Week's Many Successes

Memphis, Tenn. – An incredible cast of community leaders helped make Memphis Goes Back to School Week a huge success throughout the Memphis City School District October 16 - 20. From memorable meetings with government officials, to new school partnerships and donations from some of the largest companies in the Memphis area, students at every Memphis City School realized how fortunate they are to have the support of their hometown.

The week-long celebration brought some of the most successful and recognizable leaders from local government, businesses and community organizations into the schools to serve as honorary principal for the day. U.S. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, Memphis Fire Chief Alvin Benson and Anita Vaughn, CEO of Baptist Women's Hospital, were just a few of the dozens of honorary principals that visited the schools last week.

One of the largest school visits took place at Peabody Elementary, where members of the Memphis Police Department, Memphis Fire Department and the Emergency Management Team served collectively as honorary principal for the day, each offering its own style leadership. Students picked up some valuable safety advice during their stay at Peabody.

Jackson Elementary received a $500 donation from State Farm Insurance during the week. In addition, Mark White, co-owner of Grand Events and Party Rental, presented a $3,000 donation to the Westwood High School football team and announced his company's new partnership through the Adopt-A-School program, and Evans Elementary School became the proud beneficiary of a new Adopt-A-School partnership with Frito Lay.

Douglas Brown, the general manager of the Peabody Hotel, talked to some of the culinary arts students at Southwest Career and Technology Center about the path that led him to a career at one of the most famous hotels in the world. Brown also agreed to arrange a special tour of the Peabody's state-of-the-art kitchens – something very few people have the privilege of doing. Federal Express' legal department was excited to establish a brand new career program at American Way Middle School to teach students about jobs in the legal field. Plus, Congressman Ford surprised students at Westwood High School on Friday and delivered a powerful message about the importance of staying in school and following their dreams.

A number of schools, including Winchester Elementary, Hawkins Mill Elementary and Westside Elementary, didn't receive any extraordinary gifts or presentations. However, they served as a solid example of the shining relationship between school and community by signing up honorary principals for every day of the week.

Aside from the donations, partnerships and high-profile visits, students had a unique opportunity to gain perspective on many different areas of the career industry, learning about educational options and what it takes to make it through school and how to move up the corporate ranks. Teachers also considered it very valuable to find out ways they could assist community partners in becoming more involved with their classrooms and schools. Overall, principals across the district raved about their experiences during Memphis Goes Back to Week and said they couldn't wait for next year's event to roll around.

October 19, 2006

Snowden Principal Named Top in State

Tennessee Department of Education Names Catherine Battle Principal of the Year

Memphis, Tenn. – Catherine Battle, principal of Snowden School, was selected as the Principal of the Year by the state of Tennessee. A reception to recognize Battle will be held at the school tomorrow, October 20 at 2:45 p.m. in the middle school library.

Battle was recognized, along with eight finalists, for her outstanding achievement during the Tennessee Department of Education's annual Leadership Conference last evening in Nashville.  Governor Phil Bredesen presented her with the honor along with a $1,500 prize during the ceremony.

"The recognition of these top educators will provide models for real change as we continue to improve education for all children," Governor Bredesen said.

Education Commissioner Lana Seivers referred to Ms. Battle as a model for "exceptional leadership and sincere interest in the lives of students every day."

Candidates for the Principal of the Year award were reviewed in a competitive application process covering principals' current curriculum and instruction, work history, participation in professional organizations and leadership in the community. Applicants were also asked to submit a series of essays on topics ranging from educational philosophy and observance of trends and issues in education to giving back to the community in a school leadership role. Winners were selected by a committee of professional educators and officials at the state level.

October 13, 2006

Memphis City Schools Inaugural "National College Fair" Continues Today at
Cook Convention Center

More than 50 National Colleges & Universities
on Display for MCS Seniors

Memphis, Tenn. –   Thousands of Memphis City Schools seniors will make their way to the Memphis Cook Convention Center today for day two of the school district's inaugural National College Fair. Seniors will have the opportunity to receive information and speak with representatives from more than 50 colleges and universities from all over the country. They'll also have the chance to turn in transcripts, talk to admissions officers and possibly receive a scholarship before leaving.

The National College Fair will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Today's session is only open to Memphis City Schools seniors. The fair will be open to the public tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. – noon.