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Volume 80 December 1, 2008

Kingsbury Students Help Lend Enchantment to Pink Palace Exhibit

Kingsbury students Markesa Jones and Starkeshia Macklin are surrounded by the trees while helping the TWIGS organization prepare for the opening of the Enchanted Forest.

Students from Kingsbury Career Technology Center lent a helping hand when it was time to set up the Enchanted Forest exhibit at the Pink Palace Museum.

The display created by Kingsbury students for the Enchanted Forest depicted Christmas in Chile, the country being saluted by the Memphis in May International Festival in 2009.

Falon Roberson, Kareatha Brengettcy, Courtney Smith, and Richard Moore, students at Kingsbury High School and Kingsbury Career Technology Center, put the finishing touches on the annual Penguin Tree at the Enchanted Forest, a fundraiser for LeBonheur Children's Medical Center.

The early childhood education classes at Kingsbury CTC, taught by Shirley Darby, created gingerbread houses entitled “A Tropical Christmas” to display at the Enchanted Forest.

For the tenth year, the marketing students of Kingsbury Career Technology Center have assisted the TWIGS (Together We Initiate Growth and Sharing) organization in helping create the Enchanted Forest, a fundraiser for LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center.  The Enchanted Forest will be on display through December 31 at the Pink Palace Museum.

The Kingsbury marketing students created a “Holidays Around the World” exhibit about Chile, the Memphis In May 2009 honored country. The students also decorated the annual penguin tree by the penguin pond and assisted inside the forest by fluffing, lighting, and displaying the trees for the exhibit. Kingsbury Marketing Instructor Frances Galloway and Teaching Assistant Donna Lee accompanied the students to the Pink Palace for the annual work day.

Shirley Darby’s Early Childhood Education Class at Kingsbury also assisted with the LeBonheur project by creating four exquisitely decorated gingerbread houses for the Gingerbread Village display inside the forest. The TWIGS have raised several million dollars for LeBonheur, and the funds raised at this year’s Enchanted Forest will be used to help fund the building project that is currently under construction at the children’s hospital.

 

 

 

Student Represents Kingsbury at Regional DECA Conference

Kingsbury CTC Student Rena Finney (second from left) networks with National DECA Officers (from left) Shelby Talbott, Southern RegionVice-President, Uzo Ogu, National DECA President, and Mike LeVecque, North Atlantic Vice-President, at the Regional DECA conference held recently in Nashville.

Students from Kingsbury CTC’s chapter of DECA recently attended a regional conference for the organization in Nashville.

Recently a group of DECA members from Craigmont High School, Whitehaven High School, and Kingsbury High School and Kingsbury CTC attended the Southern Region North Atlantic Conference in Nashville. As a part of the conference, the students met with representatives from Finishline, toured Belmont University, and networked with students from other DECA Chapters. Marketing Instructors Sandra Askew and Crystal Neal of Whitehaven, Thelma Mott of Craigmont, and Frances Galloway of Kingsbury CTC accompanied the group to the conference. Raven Little, State Officer from Craigmont was one of the leaders of the Tennessee delegation at the conference.

 

 

News from Hawkins Mill Elementary SchoolParents Look on as Students Honored for Efforts

In an effort to increase parental involvement Hawkins Mill held its 2nd Six Weeks Honors Assembly on Thursday evening November 13 from 6-7 PM.  Parents had an opportunity to see their children receive recognition for their extraordinary efforts during the 2nd Six Weeks.  Parents and community members toured the building to marvel at the student work that was displayed during the Exhibition before and after the assembly.

 

Students Get Sweet Reward for Math Achievements

Fourth and fifth grade students at Hawkins Mill were recently treated to a Banana Split Multiplication Party.  The students studied and completed fact test with 100-percent accuracy during the second six weeks.  During the party the students played multiplication games and performed multiplication raps and songs, along with enjoying delicious banana splits.

 

Fairley Students Gear up for College

Fairley High School Freshmen got a sneak preview of college life when they recently visited the campus of The University of Memphis.

Ninth-grade students from Fairley High School recently visited the University of Memphis to get a close-up look at what college is really like. The students are involved in a GEAR-UP, a grant-funded program which allows opportunities for students to interact with colleges and universities. The GEAR-UP grant is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.

The students were greeted on campus by Regina Hairston and several college coaches who are instrumental in providing tutoring services during the regular day as a part of the GEAR-UP initiative. The students received a tour of the school, the dorms and visited the Tiger Den for lunch. The Fairley students ended their visit with questions about attending the university in 2012, and left with the hope of returning again in four years.

 

 

 

Getwell Names Teacher of the Month

Debra Rutkowski was named Teacher of the Month for November at Getwell Elementary School.

Congratulations to Debra Rutkowski! She was selected as the Getwell November Teacher of the Month. Rutkowski is a graduate of Memphis State University and is one of the school’s biggest fans. She and her husband attend all of the U of M basketball games. Rutkowski has been teaching special education for 28 years. She loves teaching preschool-age children and believes all children are capable of learning. Congrats again to Rutkowski!
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Overton High Students Earn Seats in All-West Jazz Band

Congratulations to the following members of Overton High School’s Blue Jazz Ensemble who earned a chair in the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association “All-West Jazz Band” :

Harrison Sawyer – First Chair Blue Band – Alto Sax
Jeff Mitchum – Second  Chair Red Band – Alto Sax
Rickey Freeman, Jr. – First Chair Blue Band – Tenor Sax
Justin Thomas – First Chair Red Band – Tenor Sax
Brandon White – Blue Band – Bari Sax
James Adams – First Chair Red Band – Trumpet
Jawaun Crawford – Fifth Chair Red Band – Trumpet
Frank James – First Chair Blue Band – Trombone
Matthew Faulkner – Third Chair Blue Band – Trombone
Zachery Medina – Bass Trombone – Red Band
Rose Reddick – Piano – Blue Band
Mason Causey – Alternate – Bass

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Trezevant Dancers Perform at Fair on Historical Day

Trezevant High School Dance II students performed under the name “United Generations of Arts, Inc.” on the Main Stage at the Mid-South Fair.

Students in the dance program taught by Clarence McFerren II at Trezevant High School were able to make history by performing on the main stage of the Mid-South Fair on the fair’s last day of its last year to be held here in Memphis.

The Trezevant students took the stage on Sun., Sept. 28 and performed two pieces of collaborative choreography in the jazz and hip-hop genres, showing their versatility and style.

The student performers, who are all enrolled in the Dance II class and call themselves “United Generations of Arts, Inc.”, were Stacy Alston, Porsha Carrick, Kanisha Carrol, Stephanie Crump, Melanie Gant, Shaniqua Henderson, Ebony Holliday, Robert Holye, Cynetra Hutchison, Derrick Johnson, LaQuisha Jones, Jessica Logan, Jeremy Perkins, Taylor Pierce, Vaneesha Pruitt, Octavian Smith, Ariell Swain, and Ellouise Vaughn.

The Trezevant dance program is now in its second year and consists of Dance I and Dance II classes, with plans currently underway to add other levels in future school years. The program promotes excellence in public dance education and performance through teaching students professionalism, discipline, teamwork, leadership, courtesy, respect, diversity, dedication, and innovation.

In addition to performing at the Mid-South Fair, the Trezevant students have also been busy exploring traditional and post-modern dance, focusing on teen and social issues and  incorporating the spoken word in a performance at the school called Café Expression.

The students also performed at the school’s arts festival, alongside the visual art, vocal and instrumental music departments, with a tribute to the late Isaac Hayes. The dancers also helped liven up the school’s football homecoming pep rally and participated in the homecoming parade, showing their T-High pride to the Frayser community.

Some of the Dance I and Dance II students are currently preparing for a state dance competition sponsored by the TSSAA, with plans to compete in the hip-hop category.

 

Trezevant High School Dance II students performed at the Mid-South Fair under the name “United Generations of Arts, Inc.”. The students performed on the fair’s Main Stage on the last day of the fair at the Mid-South Fairgrounds.

Hip-Hop performers from Trezevant included Stephanie Crump, Derrick Johnson, and Robert Hoyle.

Jazz performers from Trezevant performed on the Main Stage.
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News from Craigmont Middle School
Wildlife Expert Brings Birds to Craigmont

David Haggard of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources station at Reelfoot Lake State Park introduces Craigmont Middle School students to a bird of prey.
The eighth-grade Navigators team at Craigmont recently enjoyed a visit from David Haggard of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources station at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Haggard brought an owl, an eagle, and a hawk with him to show the students while he discussed the birds’ lives and habits. The students, most of whom had never seen any of these birds except in pictures, were delighted with the presentation, which was arranged by Dennis DeMarco, the team’s social studies teacher.

Craigmont Students Named to Honors Choir

Craigmont Middle was proud to have a number of students who made the All West Chorus after participating in the All West Tennessee Junior High Vocal at Cordova Middle School. The Craigmont Middle School students who earned placement in the honors choir are Amiya Shores and Keundra Simpson, second sopranos; Deandre Comer and Alan Atkins, tenors; Jaylin McCaster, bass one; and Cedric Davis, bass two.  Congratulations to those CMS students and to their teacher, Dr. Marilyn Campbell-Melvin, for her instruction and guidance.

Obama is Winner of Craigmont Election

On Election Day, Craigmont students participated in an authentic election experience. As students walked in the school doors, teachers Phillystene Terry and Debra Smith gave a ballot to each of the students so that they could mark their choice for President. The ballots were collected and tabulated, and the results were announced at the end of the day. Ralph Nader received one vote; Chad Baldwin got one vote; Bob Barr received one vote; John McCain received eight votes, and Barack Obama won the election with 705 votes. Craigmont students were excited to take part in this mock election to experience for themselves what it’s really like to vote in a Presidential election.
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Mayor Wharton Helps Double Tree Give Thanks

Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton recently visited Double Tree Elementary School to speak at an assembly to thank the school’s adopters and volunteers.

A group of volunteers was honored at a recent assembly at Double Tree Elementary School.

Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton recently helped Double Tree Elementary School students and faculty celebrate and thank the school’s adopters and other volunteers at a "Thanks for Giving” assembly. Performances were also given by several groups, including Ms. Mays' Peace Dancers, second-grade singer Damyah Rhodes, the High Steppers majorettes group, the Dolphinaires school choir, the Drama Guild, and the Drill Team.

Wharton spoke to the student body and representatives of school adopters Doubletree Hotel and Shelby County Links, as well as numerous volunteers and parents.  The county mayor stressed the value of adult volunteers in the lives of school children.
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Church Kindergarten Students Learn all about Germs

Kindergarten students at Robert R. Church Elementary School recently learned about germs from visiting nurses from Arkansas State University.

Nurses from Arkansas State University gave Mrs. Jordan's kindergarten class at Robert R. Church Elementary School a lesson on the nature of germs. Students learned how germs spread, how to cough or sneeze properly, and how to wash hands correctly. With the flu season approaching, these students will know how to prevent the spread of germs at Church Elementary.

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Chickasaw Students Explore Alternative Energy Sources

Chickasaw Middle School science students created projects based on their studies of alternative energy sources. The projects were displayed at the recent Exhibition of Student Work.

Students in Audra Robinson’s science class at Chickasaw Middle School recently studied alternative energy sources and created projects based on that topic for the Exhibition of Student Work.
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Levi Elementary Celebrates Muffins for Moms

Moms of Levi Elementary students were invited to visit the school one recent morning to enjoy muffins, juice and breakfast with their children.

In an effort to encourage parental involvement, Levi Elementary School invited students' mothers to eat breakfast before they went to work for the day one recent morning.  The moms were offered muffins, coffee and juice to help them get their day off to a great start. The students and Principal Tankson also had the opportunity to eat breakfast with the visiting moms.
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News from Keystone Elementary School
Grants Awarded to Keystone Teachers

Congratulations go out to several Keystone teachers who have received grants this fall. Teacher Melodi Croom was awarded a Junior League of Memphis Grant, while teachers. Karen Vogelsang and Dr. Kathy Cooper both received Matinee Series Grants through the Orpheum Theatre.

After-School Program is the Place to Be This Fall

Area high school students who are members of Bridge Builders introduced themselves to the Keystone After-School Care students.

The Keystone students enjoyed doing some teambuilding exercises with students from Bridge Builders.

Keystone’s After-School Care has had a lot going on this fall. The students had a Halloween party complete with face painting, games, and pizza, and students also enjoyed a field trip to the Pink Palace’s IMAX Theater. For the next few weeks, members of Bridge Builders are coming to the school to work with the students. Bridge Builders, composed of high-school students from area schools, work to build relationships among people of all races and backgrounds. They introduced some fun teambuilding exercises during the first visit, and the Keystone students are eager to see what fun lies in store.
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Fairley High Receives $60,000 Grant to Improve Science Labs

Attending a presentation ceremony for a grant for Fairley High School from the Pfizer Foundation and Junior Achievement of Memphis are (from left) Southwest Regional Superintendent Willie Rhodes; Fairley student announcer Gena Jackson; Exemplary Educator Carol Higgs; Junior Auxiliary Volunteer/Pfizer Representative Nate Underwood; KA Corporate Liasion/Pfizer Representative Wilmur Vasser; Fairley Science Teachers Carmelita Brackett and Georgia Elizey;  Junior Achievement Vice President of Programs Mary Brooks; and Fairley Principal Clint Jackson.

The Pfizer Foundation and Junior Achievement of Memphis joined forces with two science teachers from Fairley High School and presented the school with a check for $60,000 to improve the science labs at Fairley. A Fairley High Channel One news broadcast allowed the student body of FHS to witness the check presentation.

Teachers Georgia Elizey and Carmelita Brackett attended a “Solutions in Green Chemistry” summer institute in Breckenridge, Colorado. This summer curriculum was based around a simulation model that engages high school students in meaningful ways in the world of science which surrounds them. The simulation addresses and demonstrates national standards from multiple science disciplines. Educators left the institute with ideas for unique activities which fit into required learning for standardized state testing as well as encouraging students to think critically about the practice of science.