MCS to Host SES Information Fair
Saturday, September 19
for Parents Interested in Free Tutoring Opportunities
Free Tutoring Available for Eligible Students Attending Select "High Priority" Schools During the 2009-10 School Year
Posted on 9/9/09
Memphis, Tenn. - MCS will host a Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Information Fair to inform parents about available tutoring opportunities on Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The fair will be held at the Teaching and Learning Academy Auditorium, located at the corner of Hollywood and Union.
The fair is designed to inform parents of eligible students who are attending a Title I school that has been in "high priority" status for two or more years in a row about various state-approved tutorial service providers. Parents can also complete tutoring enrollment forms for the 2009-2010 SES school year. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, ONLY students eligible for free or reduced lunch at "high priority" schools in the second year or more of School Improvement are qualified to receive these tutorial services at no charge to parents. "High Priority" schools are those that have not met state requirements for two or more years in a row.
"This is an excellent opportunity for parents to take a proactive approach toward their child's education for the upcoming year," said Patrice Myers, SES Coordinator for Memphis City Schools. "State-approved tutorial providers from all over the region will be there to offer information about their services to parents."
SES providers tutor students in the areas of language arts, reading and mathematics through school-based, in-home, on-line and center-based services.
Memphis City Schools Requests Help in Local
"Read for the Record" Effort
Seeks Volunteers to Read on October 8 and
New or Gently Used Copies of the Book
The Very Hungry Caterpilla Posted on 9/29/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Can you imagine your childhood without your favorite stories? That's what it's like for 80% of the children in low income areas of Memphis.
Read for the Record is a national campaign to encourage hundreds of thousands of children and adults to read the same book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, on the same day, October 8. This nation-wide shared reading experience will raise awareness about the early education gap that exists between income levels. Compared with the average 13 book titles available per child in middle-income neighborhoods, only one book title is available for every 300 children in low income neighborhoods.
In support of the goals of this movement, Memphis City Schools will have The Very Hungry Caterpillar read to all 12,000 pre-school and Kindergarten MCS students throughout the school day on Thursday, October 8. You can help by volunteering to read that day or by donating a new or gently used copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to your local elementary school or to the Board of Education at 2597 Avery.
For more information, contact your local school or visit the MCS Web site at www.mcsk12.net.
Keystone Elementary Set to Receive
Walmart Teacher Rewards Program
Surprise Presentation to 10 Teachers TOMORROW,
Tuesday, September 29, at 3:30 p.m.
Posted on 9/28/09
Memphis, Tenn. - 10 teachers at Keystone Elementary School will get the surprise of the year when Walmart hands them a total of $1,000 in gift cards tomorrow, September 29, at 3:30 p.m., at the school.
Walmart is helping these teachers purchase classroom supplies through its new "Teacher Rewards" program. The school principal selected the recipients of the gift cards randomly, and they will each be surprised during a giveaway extravaganza tomorrow.
Nationally, the Teacher Rewards program will enable Walmart and Sam's Club to provide more than $4 million to 40,000 deserving teachers across the United States.
Keystone Elementary is located at 4301 Old Allen Road.
Community Invited to MCS
"Regional Informational Meetings"
Kick-off Saturday, September 26 from
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Wooddale Middle School
Posted on 9/18/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Superintendent Kriner Cash has created a series of informational meetings to encourage dialogue and provide parents and community members with the most current information about district initiatives. The first meeting will take place on Saturday, September 26 at Wooddale Middle School from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The meetings will include remarks from Board of Commissioners, Superintendent Kriner Cash, breakout sessions on H1N1, new state standards and assessments/MCS curriculum and the new PreK-3 continuum/retention and progression policies.
The locations and dates for the Regional Information Sessions are as follows: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Southeast and Northwest Region:
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wooddale Middle School, 3467 Castleman
12 - 4 p.m. Bellevue Middle School, 575 S. Bellevue
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Southwest and Northeast Region:
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hamilton Middle School, 1478 Wilson Street
12 - 4 p.m. Douglass High School, 3200 Mt. Olive Rd.
Memphis City Schools Set to Celebrate Grand Re-Opening of Melrose Stadium on
Friday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. Posted on 9/10/09
Memphis, TN - Memphis City Schools will celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of Melrose Stadium with a Ribbon Cutting and Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2009 from 6 - 7:00 p.m.. Melrose Stadium is located at 2619 Park Avenue.
During the Grand Re-Opening ceremony, MCS will honor United States Military Personnel, Memphis Fire Fighters and Memphis Police Officers for their years of service and dedication to the Melrose/Orange Mound Community. Superintendent Cash and Board Commissioners will also be on hand to celebrate this remarkable community event.
The pre-game ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a special presentation to the honorees and will be capped off by a surprise rendition of National Anthem, performed by a very special guest.
Melrose Stadium is the first field that has been completed as part of the "Healthy Memphis" initiative in which MCS will build 12 synthetic turf fields over three years. This is a progressive program with numerous benefits including maintenance cost savings, safety, increased activity and potential revenue generation. This initiative promises to have a positive impact on not only the students of MCS, but the entire community.
Registration for Messick Adult Center
Set for August 10 - 13 Posted on 8/5/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Adults who have not yet received their high school diploma can register August 10 through August 13, 2009 at the Messick Adult Center, located at 703 South Greer.
Adult High School is for students who did not complete their high school diploma or the extended summer program. Participants must be 18 years of age and no longer enrolled in the regular high school program. A high school transcript showing TCAP-CT or Gateway Scores and a minimum of 15 credits is required for registration.
Messick Adult Center offers a comprehensive out of school youth program that includes bus passes, summer internships, employment assistance and college placement. For more information, contact Helen Williams or Carolyn Young at 416-4091.
Sheffield High School
to Host Back to School Carnival
Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Posted on 8/5/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Sheffield High School is hosting a special community carnival to encourage parental involvement and raise money for school supplies and uniforms on Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This special event will feature games, food and fellowship for the Sheffield High community as the staff and Parent Teacher Student Association motivate students for the upcoming school year.
Sheffield High School is located at 4315 Sheffield Avenue.
Newly Enrolled Pre-K Students and Families
Invited to the Pre-K Express
Saturday, August 8, 2009 Posted on 8/3/09
Memphis, Tenn. - All Aboard the Memphis City Schools Pre-K Express! The Pre-K Express is an orientation event for newly enrolled Pre-K students and families that will take place this Saturday, August 8, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Mayor A.C. Wharton and Congressman Steve Cohen will help kick-off this free community event that will feature a tour of a model Pre-K classroom, interactive informational sessions, health, vision and hearing screenings and more. Mr. Chuck, the host of "Hello Mr. Chuck" will serve as the Master of Ceremony for the entire day and there will even be special remarks from Superintendent Kriner Cash, Board of Education President Martavius Jones and Governor Phil Bredesen's Office.
For more information, call 416-3450 or visit us on the web at www.mcsk12.net.
Grand Opening Ceremony, Tours to be Held at Regional Health Clinics Posted on 8/25/09
Participants in the ceremony will include Kriner Cash, Ed.D., Superintendent of Memphis City Schools; Diane Rudner of the Plough Foundation; Dr. Charles Green, Principal of East Career and Technology Center; Fred Curry, Principal of East High School; MCS Board Commissioner Dr. Kenneth Whalum; U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen; Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy; Kendricka Coble, the 2008 HIV/AIDS Spoken Word Contest Winner; Kevin McCarthy, MCS's Northeast Regional Superintendent; Dr. Nieika Parks, MCS's Coordinated School Health Director; members of the School Collaboration on Reforming Education (SCORE) Team; representatives of the offices of U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker; Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Shelby County Health Officer; and others.
Following the ceremony, visitors will be invited to tour the clinic, which will serve as a one-stop source of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of MCS students' health needs. MCS is providing the physical space in which the clinics are housed, as well as coordinating the services provided at the clinics. A grant from the Plough Foundation was used to help refurbish the sites where the clinics are located, and the Memphis Health Center, a federally certified health provider, is staffing and operating the clinics.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Transfer Process is Underway!
NCLB transfer period runs through September 4
Posted on 8/13/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Parents with children attending a Title I Memphis City school identified by the state as being in "High Priority" status*, may transfer their child to a school listed in "Good Standing." This opportunity is made available as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act, which provides additional educational options for students at lower performing schools.
Transfer applications will be accepted now through September 4 in the Office of Student Enrollment and Records, located in room 104 of the Board of Education at 2597 Avery Ave. Application forms are available at the Office of Student Enrollment and Records and on the district Web site at www.mcsk12.net. Additionally, the forms can be mailed or faxed to parents upon request.
Details regarding NCLB transfer options, along with information regarding free transportation to select choice schools, was distributed to parents on registration day and will be mailed to homes of students attending the following eligible Memphis City schools the week of August 17:
Alcy Elementary
Booker T. Washington High
Cherokee Elementary
Craigmont High
Cypress Middle
Dunbar Elementary
Egypt Elementary
Evans Elementary
Fairley Elementary
Fairview Middle
Frayser High
Georgia Avenue Elementary
Georgian Hills Elementary
Getwell Elementary
Grizzlies Academy
Guthrie Elementary
Hamilton High
Hamilton Middle
Hillcrest High
Kingsbury High
Manassas High
Northside High
Lester School
Pyramid Academy
Raleigh-Egypt Middle
River City High
Ross Elementary
Sheffield High
Treadwell Middle/High
Trezevant High
Vollentine Elementary
Wooddale High
For a complete listing of the academic status of all Memphis City schools and their Adequate Yearly Progress results, please visit the district Web site at www.mcsk12.net.
*A High Priority school is one that did not make Adequate Yearly Progress in the same academic benchmark for two or more years in the row.
Next week, Memphis City Schools' Office of Coordinated School Health along with Volunteer State Health Plan will host its' inaugural Healthy Life Choices University! Posted on 7/9/09
Residential Summer Program- Openings Still Available
Next week, Memphis City Schools' Office of Coordinated School Health along with Volunteer State Health Plan will host its' inaugural Healthy Life Choices University! Healthy Life Choices University is a week-long residential summer camp for rising high school sophomores and juniors (both males and females).The camp, to be held at Christian Brothers University, will equip MCS students to serve as ambassadors for healthy life choices in their respective schools.
Camp begins Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. Students will remain at CBU throughout the week until dismissal which is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. Programming includes field trips, team building/leadership activities and daily class sessions pertaining to various health issues such as asthma, diabetes, nutrition, and exercise. This camp is FREE of charge for all MCS students! Volunteer State Health Plan's sponsorship covers student housing, food, field trips, etc.
Healthy Life Choices University is expected to be a remarkable and exciting experience! MCS students will be exposed to important information, experience leadership and life skill training, establish new relationships and most of all have great fun. Parents and guardians should complete the Healthy Life Choices University Packet and RSVP immediately to the Office of Coordinated School Health at (901) 416-0406 or via email at Click here to view the Healthy Life Choices University Packet
MCS Info Fest Events to Offer Parents Information about School Nutrition Services Posted on 7/15/09
Memphis, Tenn. " Parents, guardians and other community members are invited to learn more about free breakfast and lunch programs, take part in food tastings, and receive free blood pressure screenings at Memphis City Schools’ two upcoming Info Fest information sessions. The events, which are free and open to the public, will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 21 at American Way Middle School, 3805 American Way, and from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 23 at Douglass High School, 3200 Mt. Olive Rd.
Sponsored by Memphis City Schools’ Division of Nutrition Services, the events will offer parents information about MCS’s free breakfast program, assistance with completing applications for free or reduced-price meals for the 2009-10 school year, applications for employment as substitute cafeteria workers, nutrition education information, the opportunity to participate in food tastings, and free blood pressure screenings.
Memphis City Schools Superintendent
Kriner Cash to Participate in
Community Forum Posted on 6/4/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash will participate in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Parent-Faith Community Forum. The Community Forum will take place today, June 4, at 5:30 p.m., at the Annesdale Cherokee Baptist Church, located at 2960 Kimball. The forum is designed to encourage youth to remain focused on education and to avoid risky behaviors. Other participants will include parents, community leaders/members and faith-based organizations. For more information contact the SCLC President, Dr. Dwight Montgomery, at 901-488-4798.
Memphis City Schools Wins Rich Media Impact Award
Recognized for Second Year in a Row for Excellence in Scholastic Achievement
Posted on 6/2/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools was recently awarded the Rich Media Impact Award for Scholastic Achievement by Sonic Foundry, Inc. This award recognizes the district for outstanding achievement in serving the K-12 educational community through rich media. MCS is the only organization to win this award consecutively. Sonic Foundry, Inc., a market leader for rich media webcasting and knowledge management, announced the winners during UNLEASH 2009, the third annual Mediasite user conference.
Memphis City Schools won the award for their creative uses of Mediasite, a webcasting platform that allows staff members all over the district to view presentations at one time; thus improving efficiency, productivity and cost savings.
"This award validates Memphis City Schools' efforts to harness and utilize technology as a method of communicating with all constituents in an innovative way," said Dr. Felicia Fowler, Coordinator of Instructional Technology for Memphis City Schools. "The fact that we've won it two times in a row tells me we are making the right strides to transform the way technology is used in the district and being recognized internationally as a leader in the use of this kind of rich digital media in a K-12 environment."
Created to recognize excellence in the practical and original integration of Sonic Foundry's webcasting platform in education, business, health and government; the Rich Media Impact Awards honor organizations that have demonstrated measurable improvements in accessibility, cost savings, efficiency and productivity through Mediasite.
"We are tremendously impressed with the work of customers like Memphis City Schools," said Rimas Buinevicius, chairman and CEO of Sonic Foundry. "They continue to raise the bar of what is possible with rich media, and we are proud to recognize them for the meaningful results they have achieved through Mediasite."
MCS' award-winning Mediasite presentation is showcased on the Sonic Foundry website at www.sonicfoundry.com/finalists2009, and will be featured in advertising in the June/July issue of Streaming Media Magazine.
All MCS Schools Will Be Open
Tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, 2009
Following Restoration of Power Posted on 6/17/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Summer School classes and enrichment programs will resume as scheduled at all Memphis City Schools tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, following the restoration of power by Memphis Light Gas and Water.
The district will also notify parents via its ParentLink phone messaging system.
Every MCS School Except for
Humes Middle School Will Reopen
Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Following Restoration of Power Posted on 6/17/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Summer School classes and enrichment programs will resume as scheduled at most Memphis City Schools tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17, following the restoration of power by Memphis Light Gas and Water.
Three schools are still affected:
Oakhaven Middle and High Schools will relocate to American Way Middle School.
The only school that will remain closed tomorrow is Humes Middle School.
The district will also notify parents about this information via its ParentLink phone messaging system.
Many MCS Schools Will Reopen
Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Following Restoration of Power
Six Schools Remain Closed
Posted on 6/16/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Summer School classes and enrichment programs will resume as scheduled at many Memphis City Schools tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, following the restoration of power by Memphis Light Gas and Water.
The following locations will remain closed:
Corry Elementary
Sea Isle Elementary
Jackson Elementary
Mitchell High
Ford Road Elementary
Chickasaw Middle
The district will also notify parents via its ParentLink phone messaging system. Updates on the status of the above schools will be provided as they become available.
MCS Board of Education Announces
Election of New Officers Posted on 6/16/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools is pleased to announce the new officers for the new term.
Martavius D. Jones, former Vice-President, was elected as the new President at last night's Board Meeting. President Jones is a product of Memphis City Schools and a graduate of Central High School. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Howard University. Jones is President and Financial Advisor of Jones Wealth Management Group. In January, 2006, he was sworn in as the Interim District 4 Commissioner on the Board of Education and was subsequently elected to a full four-year term in November of 2006. In addition to serving on the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners, Jones serves on the City of Memphis Alcohol Commission and is board member of the Memphis Police Foundation and Methodist Extended Care Hospital.
Stephanie Gatewood was elected as the new Vice-President. Ms. Gatewood has a degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in public policy. She works in The Center for Research in Educational Policy at the University of Memphis.
In addition to her duties as Commissioner, Ms. Gatewood was appointed by the governor to serve on the state Board of Education's Board of Examiner's, which is the accreditation body for colleges of education. She was also appointed to the Executive Task Force for Student Achievement for the Council of Urban Boards of Education, as well as to the Executive Committee of the Council of Great City Schools. Ms. Gatewood serves on the Editorial Board for the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA); is a TSBA Ambassador; and is a member of the Federal Relations Network, where she focuses on issues that affect school boards across the nation, the American Educational Researchers of America and the American Society for Public Administration.
Ms. Gatewood is also active in the Memphis community; serving as a Chair of Education for the League of Women Voters, advocating for children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorders through her involvement with ADHD groups, and teaching Sunday School at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis.
The Memphis City Schools Board of Education has nine members, who are all residents of Memphis. They are elected by the citizens at the general election in November to serve a four year term. Seven members are elected by district to represent a specific area within the city, and two members are elected as "at large" members to represent the entire city.
Memphis City Schools Announces
Urban Education Center
Summer Institutes Schedule Posted on 6/15/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools announces the Summer Institutes schedule for the Urban Education Center. The MCS Urban Education Center is designed to address the challenges of securing highly qualified and well trained professionals who are prepared to aggressively and purposely lead schools or businesses and improve student achievement and customer satisfaction and retention.
The Summer Institutes were designed to give participants the opportunity to learn from and engage in dialogue with renowned leaders in education, expert educational practitioners, and innovative problem solvers who will help them extend their knowledge into practice. Participants will develop a heightened awareness of critical instructional improvement initiatives while examining the unique leadership challenges that are inherent in building and sustaining high-functioning educational environments.
Summer Institutes facilitators include Dr. Douglas Reeves, founder of The Leadership & Learning Center; Dr. Stan Hyland, head of the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Memphis; Joellen Killion, Deputy Executive Director of the National Staff Development Council; and Norman Kunc and Van der Klift, advocates for Americans with Disabilities.
Summer Institutes Schedule:
Community Engagement............................................................June 17-18, 2009
A collaborative approach to community-school partnerships is essential to the development of a comprehensive community and family engagement program. Successful partnerships can improve the educational achievement of all students, promote healthy communities, and anchor neighborhoods. Interactions between schools, communities and institutions reinforce the message that education, creativity, and helping others are hallmarks of high-performing schools. These elements are necessary for students and families to achieve success. Participants will develop comprehensive strategies to build and strengthen the relationship between schools and their communities.
Inclusion.......................................................................................June 22-23, 2009
In a fast paced and challenging presentation, Norman Kunc maintains that inclusive education is not simply something we "do" to students with disabilities, but involves a school making an intentional commitment to build and maintain a sense of belonging for all students and adults in the school. He maintains that our current emphasis on achievement, tracking, and segregation leads most, if not all, students to see their membership in school and their "sense of belonging" as something which must be earned. A central tenet of inclusive education is that belonging is an inherent need of all people and must not be reserved solely for the "best of us". Learning to value and work with a diversity of people is the first step in building an education system which fosters a sense of belonging among students and staff. Inclusive education may prove to be a vital catalyst in this process.
Decision Making for Results......................................................June 25, 2009
Decision Making for Results, a one-day seminar designed to build the skills of school teams and central office administrators in examining student achievement data, identifying areas of high achievement and needed development, setting SMART goals, and establishing action plans for monitoring progress and meeting goals.
Are We Making A Difference: Assessing the Impact.....................June 29-30, 2009
In this workshop, participants will learn:
How to plan learning events using quality evaluations
How to plan & conduct evaluations and focus on results
How to increase the usability of evaluations
How the role of various stakeholders relates to the evaluation of professional development
Outcomes
Describe the eight-step evaluation process and the components of each step
Develop an understanding of the challenges associated with evaluating staff development.
Understand how theory of change influences the success of a staff development program by creating a theory of change for your own program
Construct an evaluation framework for a staff development program
Acquire strategies and resources to assist in evaluating staff development
Observing and Analyzing Teaching ............................................July 1-3, 2009
This Research for Better Teaching course is designed for evaluators and school leaders. While this course gives evaluators and school leaders the skills for comprehensive documentation of observed teaching, the emphasis is on using data in conferences to stimulate teacher growth. A significant part of the course also focuses explicitly on leadership, collegiality, experimentation, and constant learning for all. The course has been taught to more than 25,000 administrators in the U. S. and in international schools. Session includes site visits to observe classroom teachers.
Cultural Proficiency for Academic Proficiency............................July 7-10, 2009
Training and related activities will focus on appreciating diversity and equity in an effort to produce strong relationships, increase responsibility, create an environment of respect, and produce better results for all children. All children deserve an opportunity to realize their full potential. School districts can support diversity efforts as they relate to the achievement gap and creating work relationships in an environment that is conducive to quality performance.
Each Summer Institute will be held at the Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union Avenue, and will begin at 9 a.m. For fees and additional information please call (901) 416-5930.
MEMPHIS CITY SCHOOLS MEDIA ADVISORY Posted on 6/14/09
For Immediate Release: Sunday, June 14, 2009
Media Contact: Quintin Taylor or Heather Danielson (901) 416-5628
Summer School and Enrichment Programs Cancelled at Numerous Memphis City Schools Monday, June 15, 2009 Due to Power Outages
Memphis, Tenn. - Summer School Classes and Enrichment Programs will be closed tomorrow, Monday, June 15, at the following schools due to power outages as a result of the recent storm:
Richland Elementary
White Station Middle
Snowden
Messick "B" Building
Charjean Elementary
A. Maceo Walker
Westhaven Elementary
Holmes Road Elementary
Ford Road Elementary
Mitchell High
Southwest Area Office
Hamilton High
Colonial Middle
The district will notify parents via its ParentLink phone messaging system. Updates on the status of the schools will be provided to parents, as well as local media outlets, when more information is available.
Memphis City Schools Hosts First Annual Summer Technology Institute
Summer Technology Institute
June 8 - 12th "Got Tech" Institute Culminates in Special Student Exhibition Friday, June 12 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Booker T. Washington High and Vance Middle Schools
Posted on 6/11/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools is currently presenting the debut "Got Tech" Summer Technology Institute June 8 -12 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Vance Middle and Booker T. Washington High Schools.
Students who will enter fifth through 12th grade in the fall are eligible to attend. Participants engage in activities that encourage technology exploration, application and integration. Topics include blogging, video/music production, podcasting and other Web 2.0 tools. The institute was designed to introduce students to the fun of technology and provide them with a week of practical, hands-on experience.
Here's what one seventh-grade Snowden student had to say after his first day at "Got Tech":
"In just one day at Got Tech? I have learned how to make my own Hollywood movie.
I know how to make and edit a video. I can make music to fit the mood of the scene.
I can change the appearance of my product to just as it would if it was right in front of you.
I can make music as original and emotional as I please. I even stayed after class to work the music for our video.
I have learned so much in just the first day at Got Tech?. I know that by the end of the week I will be a wiz at music, video, and music video production. Thank you."
The goals of the institute are to provide enrichment activities that teach 21st century technology skills, to prepare students for academic excellence through the integration of technology skills, to increase students', parents' and the community's awareness of the importance of technology literacy in today's global economy, to provide support for student success that will lead to increased enrollment in and completion of higher level computer courses in high school and to increase enrollment in computer courses in high school and interest in computer science related majors in college.
Echoes of Truth Students Set to Perform
Original Musical at Orpheum Theatre on
Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m.
Silent Art Auction Featuring Original Art by
Echoes Students Starts at 5:30 p.m.
Posted on 6/10/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Some of Memphis City Schools' brightest and most talented creative art students who make up the renowned performing arts group Echoes of Truth, will debut the original musical "Hearts in Stars" on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at The Orpheum Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 at the door.
For this year's program, Echoes' performing arts students are working with Executive Director Gregg Coats and Program Director Julia Russell Ormiston. The students are writing songs with Memphis' own Sharonda Mitchell and Brian Hartley; creating dances with Grizzlies choreographer Tamara Moore; and singing and acting with Reginald Gaston, Maya Robinson and actor Darius Wallace. The visual art students are creating original artworks with Betty Burton, Amy Shamblin and Mike Chapman.
Prior to the performance, there will be a silent art auction at 5:30 p.m. in the Orpheum Lobby showcasing painted portraits of past and present musicians created by the Echoes visual arts students. All purchases are 100% tax deductible and go directly towards the Echoes students in the program.
Tickets are just $6, and may be purchased at the box office the night of the show. Call (901) 416-3434 for more information.
About Echoes of Truth
Now in its 10th year, Echoes of Truth is the premier summer showcase for Memphis-area high school students and recent graduates talented in the arts. The program is held each June at Overton High School and serves as an arts-centered career training program. Students in the Echoes program learn through intensive, hands-on activities. Students can choose from a variety of apprenticeship programs, including acting, vocal and instrumental music, dance, songwriting, set design and production, visual art, videography and arts marketing. They produce real products and are paid for their work. Each year, the culminating event is a musical performance at the Orpheum, which in past years has featured the work of filmmaker Craig Brewer, actors Willard Pugh and Miles O'Keefe, photographer Ernest Withers and songwriter Mary Unobsky.
MCS to Hold Public Auction of Surplus Items
Sale Begins at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1384-A Farmville Rd.
Posted on 5/8/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will hold a public auction of surplus items at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the MCS Mallory Warehouse, located at 1384-A Farmville Rd.
Vehicles, furniture and equipment that will be sold in the auction will be on display and may be inspected on Friday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Mallory Warehouse. Items scheduled to be auctioned include cargo vans, buses and refrigerated trucks; cafeteria equipment including tables, chairs, commercial mixers, ice machines, food warmers and deep fryers; and miscellaneous office furniture.
All items will be sold "as is where is" and all sales are final. The only methods of payment that will be accepted are cash and cashier check. All items purchased must be paid for immediately and removed on the day of the sale.
Second Annual Student Art Exhibition Will be Unveiled
this Friday at 8:00 p.m. at Memphis International Airport Posted on 5/6/09
Memphis, Tenn. - The second annual Memphis International Airport Student Art Competition / Exhibition will be unveiled Friday, May 8, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in Terminal B Lobby at Memphis International Airport.
Executives from the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and top officials from both Memphis City and Shelby County Schools will be on hand for the unveiling of exhibition, titled "Memphis, Its Music, Sights and Sounds."
The show features artwork by 45 Visual Art students from Memphis City and Shelby County Schools. The collaborative effort was designed to encourage art students in the community to appreciate the artistic heritage of the City of Memphis. Students created large-scale, museum quality, original paintings for this exhibition.
Over 350 people including the participating student artists, their teachers, family and school administrators will attend the awards/recognition ceremony. Featured program guests will include Superintendent Cash, Ms. Ruby Wharton, Shelby County Schools Superintendent Bobby Webb and Scott Brockman and Richard White of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
Groundbreaking Set for New
Riverwood Area K- 5 School Posted on 5/4/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will host a groundbreaking for the new Riverwood Area K - 5 School on Tuesday, May 5, at 11 a.m. in the 8600 block of Riverwood Farms Parkway, just east of Dexter Lane.
Memphis Board of Education Commissioner Betty Mallott, Shelby County Commissioner and Chairman Deidre Malone, Deputy Superintendent Irving Hamer, and Regional Superintendent Kevin McCarthy will help celebrate the start of a new era of learning in the Cordova community. The new Riverwood Area School will have the capacity to serve up to 1,200 students. The school is expected to open for the start of the 2010-2011 school year.
DIRECTIONS:
Germantown Parkway East to Dexter Road. Left on Dexter Road to Dexter Lane. Right on Dexter Lane and proceed to Riverwood Farms Parkway. Left on Riverwood Farms Parkway. Groundbreaking site will be on the right side of Riverwood Farms Parkway just past the three-way stop sign.
Memphis City Schools Sponsoring
Free Summer Food Service Program
for All Memphis Youth Posted on 5/29/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools' Division of Nutrition Services is again sponsoring a Summer Food Service Program for children in Memphis. All youth ages 18 and under will be eligible for free meals between June 1 and July 31, 2009.
This Summer Food Service Program is provided as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For site locations and meal times, call the Division of Nutrition Services, (901) 416-5550.
Healthy Memphis Initiative Fundraiser Kicks Off
Tuesday, May 26 at 11 a.m. Posted on 5/26/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will kick off a community galvanizing initiative on Tuesday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at Melrose Stadium, located at 2619 Park Avenue.
"Healthy Memphis," will build 12 synthetic turf fields over three years. The fields that will be replaced are in a constant state of repair. The new fields will be much more than a state of the art platform for athletic competitions. They will become a venue for community use, physical wellness and fitness, summer activities such as camps, sports venues, band festivals, Youth Groups and potential rental revenue.
"Healthy Memphis" is a progressive program with numerous benefits including maintenance cost savings, safety, increased activity and potential revenue generation. This initiative promises to have a positive impact on not only the students of MCS, but the entire community.
"During the May 11, 2009 Board Work Session, I presented to the Board of Commissioners reform procedures and implementation processes for mobile devices, which include new policy proposals that will be brought before the Board and in place by June 30. Accordingly, all existing mobile devices will be collected and redistributed by June 30. Upon redistribution, staff members with mobile devices will be required to sign a new user agreement that governs use and clarifies measures that will be taken for misuse and abuse.
With regard to cell phones, I have directed the Department of Internal Audits to audit past cell phone records to determine whether evidence of systemic abuse exists. Upon conclusion of the audit, I will take appropriate action."
Dr. Kriner Cash
Superintendent
Memphis City Schools
MIAA Set to Debut Golf Tournament Fundraiser to
Benefit Athletic Facilities
Monday, June 22 at 8 a.m. at
Irene Golf & Country Club
Posted on 5/22/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools is set to launch its first Memphis Interscholastic Athletic Association Golf Classic, which will debut on Monday, June 22, 2009. Registration is at 7 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 8 a.m. The setting for the tournament is Irene Golf & Country Club, located at 8141 Irene Boulevard, just off Hacks Cross.
Tournament fees are $250 per individual and $1,000 for teams of four. Fees cover greens fee, golf cart, golf shirt and premium items. An awards luncheon will follow. All proceeds from the tournament will be used to upgrade MCS athletic fields and equipment.
Spring Induction Ceremony for
New Student Transition Center
Set for Thursday, May 21 Posted on 5/21/09
Memphis, Tenn. - The Student Transition Center, a new program implemented by Memphis City Schools, will hold its second induction ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at 1 p.m.
The program was designed to help former male juvenile offenders in grades six through twelve make a successful re-entry into Memphis City Schools. The program provides various academic and behavioral programs that will help these students succeed academically and socially. Some students made their transition in as few as six weeks. Thursday's special induction ceremony is for young men who are transitioning out of the program into a traditional school setting. They will be honored for their positive change and fresh outlook on their future.
The induction ceremony will be held in the cafeteria at the Orange Mound Community Center, located at 2572 Park Ave.
MCS Requests Parents' Opinions on
Food and Nutrition Services
Starting TODAY Posted on 5/15/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools' Nutrition Services Division is conducting an online parent survey about MCS food and nutrition services beginning today, Thursday, May 14th, and continuing through May 30 ,
MCS parents are encouraged to participate in a brief online survey, where they will have the opportunity to give feedback about MCS's nutrition services, current menus and offer suggestions.
Parents may access the brief anonymous survey at http://parentsmemphiscityschools.questionpro.com
"We really want to get as many MCS parents to participate in the online forum as we can," said Dr. Vista Suarez, director of Memphis City Schools Division of Nutrition Services. "The data collected from the surveys will be carefully reviewed and studied, and used to help enhance students' dining experience in the school cafeteria."
The MCS Division of Nutrition Services serves 112,500 meals a day that meet nutritional federal requirements, which totals more than 20 million meals a year.
Memphis, Tenn. - The district's administrative offices will be closed Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12, 2009 for the Easter holiday.
Administrative offices will reopen on Monday, April 13, 2009.
Make-Up Time Scheduled for Inclement Weather Closure
Schools Will Extend Day for Nine Days
Posted on 4/9/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools has scheduled make up time for the school closure due to inclement weather on January 28, 2009.
Rather than extend the school year beyond the Memorial Day holiday or schedule a Saturday make-up day, the district will extend school hours by 45 minutes from Tuesday, April 14 through Friday, April 24. For example, if a child's school normally dismisses at 2:15 p.m., school will dismiss at 3:00 p.m. on these days. School will begin at the regular time each day and it is important that students remain at school the entire day.
Bus services will operate on this special schedule, as will all after-school services and activities. For additional information, parents may contact their
child's school or consult the district's Web site.
The Memphis Urban League's
6th Annual Do the Right Thing Celebration
Posted on 4/3/09
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! Do you know a young person or an adult who has gone over and beyond to 'Do the Right Thing' in
their school, community, organization or church?
If you answered yes, then it's time to nominate them to be recognized at the Memphis Urban League's 6th Annual Do the Right Thing Celebration.
This year's theme: "Celebrating Change Agents"
Deadline for Submission is April 27, 09. If you have any questions, please contact Candice Grose, coordinator of
Education or Youth Development at 901.272.2491 ext. 16
To nominate a young person or adult, click on the appropriate link below.
Memphis City Schools to Resume
Normal School Schedule Posted on 4/27/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will resume its normal school schedule beginning Monday, April 27, 2009 . The district added 45 minutes to the last nine school days (April14th - April 24th) to make up time for the school closure due to inclement weather on January 28, 2009.
All services including transportation, after-school services and activities will resume its normal schedule effective Monday, April 27, 2009. For additional information, parents may contact their child's school or consult the district's Web site.
Memphis City Schools Spring
Exhibition of Student Work
Set for Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Nearly 6,000 Volunteers Set to Serve as Jurors
Posted on 4/24/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Can you picture the day when a student's work is judged not only by his ability to take a test, but also by his ability to create something from his heart, soul and mind working as one?
That day is here at Memphis City Schools on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
Standardized testing, in some cases, has narrowed the ability of educators to fully determine the unique abilities of each student. To better measure these talents, MCS has developed an exciting initiative called the Exhibition of Student Work that will allow students to excel in areas that may not be captured in the traditional school format.
Every MCS student has developed and will exhibit a project that demonstrates their best work for the past three months. This is the second student exhibition of the year. The Fall Exhibition was on November 13, 2008.
Projects like the Exhibition of Student Work are a part of the new graduation requirements established by the Tennessee Department of Education for the current eighth grade students. MCS is working now to prepare elementary and middle school students for these new requirements.
Important projects like this cannot be a success without the community's help. Over 5,500 community volunteers stepped up for the Fall Exhibition and so far, nearly 6,000 volunteers are slated to help with the Spring Exhibition.
Applications for jurors are still available at www.mcsk12.net. Just click on the "Exhibition of Student Work" banner at the bottom of the MCS home page, or call Miska Bibbs, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at (901) 416-6329 for more information.
Help MCS take our students and our community to the next level. Volunteer to be a juror today and be a part of the Spring Exhibition of Student Work.
MCS Extends Kindergarten
Pre-Registration through April 30, 2009 Posted on 4/23/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools has extended Kindergarten Pre-Registration until Thursday, April 30. Registration will take place each Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the student's assigned elementary school.
Parents with a child who will be five years old on or before September 30, 2009, should visit their assigned elementary school to pre-register. They are asked to bring the following items to pre-registration:
Proof of residency (e.g. MLGW bill, mortgage statement, or a lease agreement)
Social Security Card
Certified Birth Certificate
At pre-registration, parents will receive an information packet that advises them of immunizations and physicals required for Kindergarten registration. Each school will acquire important information that will allow them to better serve incoming students and parents (e.g. prior school experience and language requirements).
For more information, or to learn what their child's assigned school is, parents may call the office of Student Enrollment at (901) 416-5300.
MCS Pre-K Registration Screening
Continues through April 30, 2009 Posted on 4/23/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will accept applications for Pre-K screening until Thursday, April 30, 2009. Applications are available at all Title 1 schools and Community Partner sites. A complete listing of application locations is available on the district web site at www.mcsk12.net. All Pre-K screening appointments will be scheduled by May 6, 2009.
Eligibility requirements for Pre-K are as follows:
The child must be four years old by September 30th
The child must score 75 or below on the pre-screening test
The child must live in the MCS Title 1 attendance zone
The child must have a current physical and immunization record
The parent agrees to pick up his/her child at the appointed time
The parent or designee attends a mandatory transitional parent meeting and parent/teacher conference
For more information, parents may call the Office of Early Childhood at (901) 416-3450 or visit the MCS web site at www.mcsk12.net.
"Drum, Dance, Sing, Play!"
Hundreds of MCS Elementary Students to Celebrate the
40th Anniversary of Orff Music at the 2009 All-City Concert
Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at the
Cannon Center
Media Invited for Sneak Peak at Noon during Final Dress Rehearsal on Day of Concert
Posted on 4/22/09
Memphis, Tenn.: Hundreds of Memphis City Schools elementary students will take the stage at the Cannon Center in downtown Memphis on Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. for a special , free admission, musical celebration that will showcase music from around the world. "Drum, Dance, Sing, Play!" is the theme for the 2009 Orff All-City Concert.
Students in the Orff program will bring world music to life through song, play and lively movement, capturing the essence and spirit of music from featured countries like Lesotho, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Japan, Brazil and the Polynesian Islands. This special evening of music will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Orff music at Memphis City Schools.
All music for the 2009 Orff All-City Concert is arranged by Memphis City Schools' Orff Music specialists. The production also features full-color costumes and stage settings constructed and crafted by students and their instructors.
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.
1st Annual MCS-MIAA 5K Walk/Run
Sponsored by Cricket Communications Posted on 4/21/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools is happy to announce the First Annual MCS-MIAA 5K Walk/Run Sponsored by Cricket Communications. The MCS-MIAA 5K Walk/Run will take place on Friday, April 24, 2009, at 6 p.m. at Tobey Park, located at 150 South Flicker Street.
The entry fee is $10 per participant. All proceeds will benefit the MIAA. Participants will receive a gift bag, t-shirt and refreshments. Pre-registration is open through Thursday, April 23 at the MIAA office located at 220 N. Montgomery, or at one of the following Cricket Communications stores:
Walk-up registration will be available on the evening of the event at Tobey Park. For more information, contact Bruce Johnson, Event Coordinator at 901-416-7470.
Walk-up registration will be available on the evening of the event at Tobey Park. For more information, contact Bruce Johnson, Event Coordinator at 901-416-7470.
Memphis City Schools Cancels Outdoor Athletic Events Due to Inclement WeatherEvents Will Resume on Schedule Tomorrow Posted on 4/2/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Due to inclement weather, Memphis City Schools has canceled all outdoor athletic events scheduled for today, April 2, 09. All events will be rescheduled. Outdoor events will resume as scheduled tomorrow, April 3.
Memphis City Schools Needs Community Volunteers to Help with Spring Student Exhibition
Seeks Volunteers to Serve as Jurors on April 28
Posted on 4/17/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Can you picture the day when a student's work is judged not only by his ability to take a test, but also by his ability to create something from his heart, soul and mind working as one?
That day is here at Memphis City Schools on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
Standardized testing, in some cases, has narrowed the ability of educators to fully determine the unique abilities of each student. To better measure
these talents, MCS has developed an exciting initiative called the Exhibition of Student Work that will allow students to excel in areas that may not be captured in the traditional school format.
Every MCS student has developed and will exhibit a project that demonstrates their best work for the past three months. This is the second
student exhibition of the year. The Fall Exhibition was on November 13, 2008.
Projects like the Exhibition of Student Work are a part of the new graduation requirements established by the Tennessee Department of Education for
the current eighth grade students. MCS is working now to prepare elementary and middle school students for these new requirements.
Important projects like this cannot be a success without the community's help. Over 5,500 community volunteers stepped up to help with the
Fall Exhibition. MCS needs just as many jurors for the Spring Exhibition. Training will be provided to all volunteers on the use of the evaluation/scoring
tools prior to the exhibition. MCS needs volunteers to serve as jurors for the Spring Exhibition of Student Work on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
Applications for jurors are available at www.mcsk12.net. Just click on the "Exhibition of Student Work" banner at the bottom of the MCS home page, or call Miska Bibbs, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at (901) 416-6329 for more information.
Grahamwood Elementary School Set to Jump Rope for Heart
Tomorrow, Friday, March 6
Students Raising Money for American Heart Association
Posted on 3/5/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Students at Grahamwood Elementary School will cap off a day of promoting physical fitness by
participating in the "Jump Rope for Heart" event on Friday, March 6 from 9:30 " 10: 30 a.m. (grades K-3) and from
1:30 " 2:30 p.m. (grades 4-6).
This special physical fitness event helps raise money for the American Heart Association. Grahamwood was the top
fund-raising school in the city in 2007, raising over $14,000. "Jump Rope for Heart" is the highlight event of a day that will
promote physical fitness for students. The day will also include an exhibition by Grahamwood students demonstrating their
physical education skills, parents serving healthy refreshments to each jump rope team and support from area corporations
and college sports teams.
Grahamwood Elementary is located at 3950 Summer Avenue. Media outlets are asked to check in at the school office before going to the event.
MCS to Hold Public Auction of Surplus Items
Sale Begins at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 09 at 1384 Farmville Rd.
Posted on 3/4/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will hold a public auction of surplus items at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 09 at the MCS Mallory Warehouse, located at 1384 Farmville Rd.
Vehicles, furniture and equipment that will be sold in the auction will be on display Friday, March 13 from 9:00 a.m. " 3:00 p.m. Items scheduled to be auctioned include Dodge, Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks; Ford and Chevrolet cars; various tools including drill presses and welders; and miscellaneous classroom furniture and equipment.
All items will be sold "as is where is" and all sales are final. The only methods of payment that will be accepted are cash and cashier check. All items purchased must be removed on the day of the sale.
MCS to Open First Regional Health Clinic
Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. Posted on 3/30/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will open its first regional health clinic this Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. in the Northwest Region.
The Northwest Regional Health Clinic will open inside Northside High School, located at 1212 Vollentine, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the MCS Office of Coordinated School Health.
The Plough Foundation recently awarded Memphis City Schools with a $600,000 grant that will support the new MCS wellness initiative of providing School-Based Health Clinics.
The clinics will be a one-stop source of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of child and adolescent health needs. This endeavor is a partnership between MCS, the Plough Foundation and Memphis Health Center.
MCS will provide physical space to house the clinics and coordinate their services.
The Plough Foundation's grant will help MCS convert four of its existing structures into suitable clinical facilities by refurbishing and furnishing the clinics.
Memphis Health Center, a federally certified health provider, will staff and operate the clinics.
"I am deeply touched by the Plough Foundation's generous donation to help support our School-Based Health Clinics," said Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash. "Their contribution will help provide our students with the much needed comprehensive health services many of them require in an adequate and safe environment".
A "School Health Team" has been established at every MCS school. The team includes an administrator, physical education teacher, guidance counselor, psychologist, a school nurse and a school secretary. This team will support the implementation and referral of students to the School-Based Health Clinics.
Each of the district's four new regions will have its own School-Based Health Clinic. The clinics will be strategically located as follows:
Northwest Region Northside High School
Northeast Region East High School
Southeast Region Sheffield Career & Technology Center
Southwest Region Westwood High School
The clinics will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services will include diagnosis and treatment of simple illnesses and minor injuries; physical examinations; athletic physicals; Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments; immunizations; and Early Periodic Screenings, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT).
These clinics will satisfy the health service requirement of the Coordinated School Health model, which was adopted by the Tennessee State Legislature.
MCS Sets Pre-K Registration Screening for
March 30 - April 30 Posted on 3/30/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will accept applications for Pre-K screening from March 30 - April 30, 09. Applications are available at all Title 1 schools and Community Partner sites. A complete listing of application locations is available on the district web site at www.mcsk12.net. All Pre-K screening appointments will be scheduled by May 6, 09.
Eligibility requirements for Pre-K are as follows:
The child must be four years old by September 30th
The child must score 75 or below on the pre-screening test
The child must live in the MCS Title 1 attendance zone
The child must have a current physical and immunization record
The parent agrees to pick up his/her child at the appointed time
The parent or designee attends a mandatory transitional parent meeting and parent/teacher conference
For more information, parents may call the Office of Early Childhood at (901) 416-3450 or visit the MCS web site at www.mcsk12.net.
Parents and Community Members Invited to
Superintendent's Town Hall Meeting
TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 31, 09
White Station Middle School at 6 p.m.
Posted on 3/30/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Superintendent Kriner Cash will host a town hall meeting onTuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m. at White Station Middle School
to discuss the progress thus far this semester and what he and his leadership team will focus on for the remainder of the school year.
The meeting will take place from 6 - " 8 p.m. at White Station Middle School, located at 5465 Mason Road.
The program will feature student performances, recognition of student achievements and a question and answer session with the Superintendent.
MCS Readies for Third Year of
"MLGW Goes to School" Posted on 3/30/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) is showing students the power of a career in public utilities for the third year in a row during "MLGW Goes to School" week beginning March 31.
"MLGW Goes to School" is an annual program developed by MLGW and the IBEW Local 1288 to encourage MCS students to explore career opportunities in the utility industry, specifically Memphis' own publicly owned utility. From March 31 through April 3, 09, MLGW employees will facilitate informational seminars at middle schools throughout the district, air educational videos on MCS station C19, and provide students with a variety of workshops that highlight the essential functions and qualifications for specific careers in the utility industry.
"MLGW supports the efforts of local schools to equip graduating students to make informed decisions about career opportunities in energy," said Patrice J. Robinson, MLGW Program Coordinator. "A really exciting component this year is MLGW will also provide mentors to pre-engineering students at East High School."
In addition to classroom training, the "MLGW Goes to School" program offers summer employment through the City of Memphis Summer Youth Employment Program and mentoring programs 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.
MLGW has contributed to local education efforts for many years, with particular emphasis on the needs, support and training of students at MCS. MLGW supports such activities as summer internships, Memphis Weekend Academy, Junior Achievement, Explorer posts, and sponsors many programs at its adopted school, Carver High.
"We are grateful that MLGW takes such an active role in the success of our students," said Superintendent of Memphis City Schools Dr. Kriner Cash. "This program tells our students that leading business enterprises in the community are here to help them prepare for a successful career with innovative occupational experiences that complement their education."
With the continued initiative of "MLGW Goes to School," students will become familiar with what kind of study and training is needed to prepare for careers in the utility industry, including positions as engineers, electronics technicians, meter repairers, electrical linemen, accountants, drafters, tellers, utility workers and clerical support.
MCS Set to Conduct Kindergarten
Pre-Registration March 30 - " April 3 Posted on 3/27/09
Memphis, Tenn.- Memphis City Schools is conducting Kindergarten Pre-Registration Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3, 09
from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. each day.
Parents with a child who will be five years old on or before September 30, 09, should visit their assigned elementary school to pre-register. They are asked to bring the following items to pre-registration:
Proof of residency (e.g. MLGW bill, mortgage statement, or a lease agreement)
Social Security Card
Certified Birth Certificate
At pre-registration, parents will receive an information packet that advises them of immunizations and physicals required for Kindergarten registration. Each school will acquire important information that will allow them to better serve incoming students and parents (e.g. prior school experience and language requirements).
For more information, or to learn what their child- s assigned school is, parents may call the office of Student Enrollment at (901) 416-5300.
Parents Urged to Attend MCS "Demand Parent Summits"
Saturday, March 14 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
at Hamilton High School
Posted on 3/14/09
Memphis, Tenn. -Superintendent Kriner Cash and Memphis City Schools will host a community outreach program entitled "Demand Parent Summits" so that he may have open conversations with parents, guardians and caregivers about their child" s education, safety and future. The last of four scheduled Demand Parent Summits will take place tomorrow Saturday, March 14 at Hamilton High School located at 1363 Person from 8 a.m. " 3 p.m.
In addition to Superintendent Cash's keynote address, the summit will feature breakout sessions like Early Childhood Development, Basic Tenets of Strong Discipline: Parents Must Lead the Way, How to Support Your Child" s Education at Home and at School, Avoiding Surprises " Charting the Course Towards Graduation, Our Children " Math & Literacy Development, and Gang Awareness and Intervention.
Memphis City Schools" Annual Open Enrollment and NCLB Transfer Process Rescheduled to Begin Tuesday, April 7
Priority Period for NCLB/Sibling Transfers is
April 7 - April 24
Posted on 3/13/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools" Open Enrollment and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Transfer process, which allows parents to choose a school other than the one assigned by address, will begin Tuesday, April 7, 09 in the auditorium at the Board of Education, located at 2597 Avery.
From 6:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, Memphis City Schools will offer bar coded applications at the Board of Education to help parents and guardians avoid the inconvenience of long lines during the application process. The bar code on the application serves as the "ticket" to hold your place in line. Application packets for Open Enrollment will also be available. Parent-sponsored line-ups or lists will not be honored, and MCS Security will not permit anyone to line up for the April 7 ticket process before 5:30 a.m.
In addition, bar coded applications and information packets will be available in the Office of Student Enrollment and Records, room 104 of the Board of Education, from April 8 " April 24. A bar coded application will allow parents to apply online using any computer with Internet access. Parents are strongly encouraged to apply using this convenient method.
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.
Cricket Communications to Donate Money, School Supplies and Uniforms to MCS
Homeless Children and Youth Program Posted on 2/26/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Employees at the Cricket Communications store in Millington, Tenn., collected money to be donated to the Memphis City Schools Homeless Children and Youth Program In addition, the Millington store will also donate school uniforms and supplies.
A formal cash donation will be made to Dolores Flagg, Coordinator of the Homeless Children and Youth Program with Memphis City Schools on Friday, February 27, 09 at 4:30 p.m., at the Cricket Communications store located at 8131 Hwy 51 North in Millington.
Inaugural MCS Graduation of
Kingian Nonviolence Trainers Set for
Monday, February 23 at 9 a.m. Posted on 2/20/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will soon celebrate the graduation of the first group of certified trainers in the Kingian Nonviolence conflict resolution methodology. Twenty six trainers will receive their certification on Monday, February 23 at 9 a.m. at Vance Middle School. Superintendent Kriner Cash, Chief of Security Gerald Darling, Congressman Steve Cohen and Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Director of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island, are expected to be among the speakers at the graduation celebration.
The Training of Trainers Program is a detailed study of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his nonviolence philosophy and methodology. The program was designed to provide comprehensive information on the skills necessary for effective conflict resolution and to provide a basic foundation for understanding the wide-ranging issues individuals, groups and communities face. It also takes an in-depth look at the history of the civil rights movement and the role nonviolence can play in effecting permanent change through sound leadership. The primary goal of training is to make students "ambassadors for peace" by empowering them to take responsibility for where they live and allow them to develop effective, healthy interpersonal and community relations.
Upon graduation from the program, participants are certified as Kingian Nonviolence Trainers/Practitioners and are expected to actively participate in furthering the nonviolence movement through training and other initiatives.
Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis City Schools annual Parent Climate Survey is now available on-line on the MCS web site at www.mcsk12.net The climate surveys were specifically designed for three key MCS stakeholders; students, parents, and teachers. They allow stakeholders, particularly parents, to provide the district feedback about their experiences at their child-s school and with school administrators.
Administering the surveys on-line will allow the district to respond to parent concerns more efficiently and will also be more cost effective than administering the surveys in a paper format. The Parent Climate Survey is available for 12 days, beginning today, Monday, February 2, through Friday, February 13 and can be found at www.mcsk12.net
Responses from the surveys will be evaluated and used to improve the overall performance, customer service and perception of Memphis City Schools. Survey responses are anonymous and remain confidential.
Parents Invited to New MCS -"Demand Parent Summits-"
Kick-off this Saturday, February 21 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
at Manassas High School
Posted on 2/19/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Superintendent Kriner Cash has created a series of community outreach events for parents called -Demand Parent Summits- so that he may have open conversations with parents, guardians and caregivers about their child-s education and future. The first Demand Parent Summit will take place this Saturday, February 21 at Manassas High School from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The district will provide transportation from designated locations within each region, breakfast and lunch, as well as interactive child-care. Each summit will feature sessions like Early Childhood Development, Basic Tenets of Strong Discipline: Parents Must Lead the Way, How to Support Your Child-s Education at Home and at School, Avoiding Surprises - Charting the Course Towards Graduation, Our Children - Math & Literacy Development, and Gang Awareness and Intervention.
The locations and dates for the Demand Parent Summits are as follows:
Northwest Region: Saturday, February 21 - Manassas High School, 1111 N. Manassas
$90 MILLION GRANT TO FUND TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS INITIATIVE:
EMPOWERING TEACHERS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Posted on 11/19/2009
(MEMPHIS, TENN.) - The Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners approved an Intensive Partnership grant of $90 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund the Teacher Effectiveness Initiative (TEI), a focused plan to improve teacher effectiveness in order to empower teachers for student success. Additionally, the Board approved the acceptance of a $1.9 million grant to fund research designed to help determine the most appropriate process by which to measure effective teaching.
"We know that teachers are the foundation for our students' success and, ultimately, our community's success," said Kriner Cash, Superintendent of Memphis City Schools. "The support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides a great catalyst for us to move forward with our Teacher Effectiveness Initiative, helping us grow and support effective teachers for every single classroom in our city. Through TEI, we will build upon the knowledge and dedication of one of Memphis' greatest resources, our teachers, and transform the educational landscape of not just our city, but of the entire teaching profession."
Memphis was one of three school systems in the country and one coalition of charter schools under consideration for an Intensive Partnership grant. "The fact that our city was selected is a testament to the quality and vision of our school leaders, the foundation's confidence in our ability to effect real change and the enormous potential that exists within our school district," said Cash.
The TEI will be the foundation for success of the Memphis City School District leadership's aggressive reform agenda that is already underway.
There are four essential components to the TEI:
(1) measuring and defining effective teaching;
(2) improving the ways that we recruit, hire, and retain teachers;
(3) better supporting, utilizing, and compensating existing teachers; and
(4) improving the surrounding context for teachers.
While the TEI's primary goal is to help develop teachers, students will be the true beneficiaries. High value teachers create high value students, who help develop a high value workforce for the city's future. As a result of its reforms, TEI will improve student achievement, changing how Memphians think about Memphis City Schools and positioning the city for future economic and social progress.
"The Gates Foundation's decision to choose Memphis is a real cause for celebration," said Barbara Hyde, President of the Hyde Family Foundations. "This announcement validates the hard work that has gone before, and offers an infusion of resources, energy, and hope for the work that lies ahead, as we all come together and focus our efforts on making our schools great."
TEI was designed and will be executed with the participation of and in partnership with the Memphis Education Association, the representative labor union for the teachers of Memphis City Schools. MCS and MEA have collaborated extensively in the development of TEI, maintaining a candid, frequent, open dialogue throughout the process with the district's teachers about how this plan will support and benefit them.
"The Memphis Education Association is committed to supporting the Memphis City Schools' plan to improve teacher effectiveness throughout our district," said Stephanie Fitzgerald, President, Memphis Education Association. "We know that buy-in' from our members will be critical to the success of this initiative, and there is every indication that this buy-in' will happen here in Memphis."
While other cities and districts are implementing similar plans, Memphis is at the forefront of this effort. Fueled by a groundswell of local public attention, MCS is moving ahead of many other urban school districts across the country.
"We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure our students benefit from effective teaching," said Deputy Superintendent Irving Hamer. "Effective teachers have always been essential to students' successand never more so than today, with higher state standards and an increasingly competitive global economy. Many of our students are fortunate to have terrific teachers, and we must strive to ensure that every classroom is led by an effective teacher in order to graduate every student college- and/or career-ready."
Memphis City Schools Student
Wins Today Show "Kid Reporter" Contest Posted on 11/12/209
Memphis, Tenn: - Colonial Middle School student Deidra Shores was named the winner of the "Kid Reporter" contest on the Today Show.
Deidra was one of four final contestants vying for the position. For their final assignment, each kid reporter hopeful traveled back to New York City where they covered the unveiling of the world's largest children's book, written by children for the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Deidra was selected from more than 40,000 children who submitted entries to the "Kid Reporter" contest. Deidra's original submission was a parody of Matt Lauer's "Where in the World is Matt Lauer." The video had her searching for Mr. Lauer throughout the city of Memphis, stopping at various points of interest in hopes of finding him, and then landing an exclusive interview.
Deidra will begin her Today Show "Kid Reporter" career on Monday, November 16, while on a 6-day cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship, "The Carnival Dream". The trip is one of several prizes she received as the winner of the contest.
Sherwood Elementary Students Set to Thank Hewlett-Packard with Special Presentation
"Making a Difference in Our Backyard" Will Debut on November 12 at 9:30 a.m. Posted on 11/10/209
Memphis, Tenn: -Sherwood Elementary School students will thank Hewlett-Packard representatives for their donation of 67 thin-client computing stations by demonstrating how they are using technology to make a difference in the community.
On Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 9:30 a.m., the fifth-grade students from the school will debut a special Power Point presentation they created called "Making a Difference in Our Backyard." The presentation will tell Hewlett-Packard how their generous donation has enabled the students to use technology to excel in education and help the community.
Sherwood Elementary is located at 1156 Robin Hood Lane.
Memphis City Schools
Fall Exhibition of Student Work
Set for Thursday, November 12, 2009Community Volunteers Still Needed to Serve as Jurors Posted on 11/03/209
Memphis, Tenn: -Can you picture the day when a student's work is judged not only by his ability to take a test, but also by his ability to create something from his heart, soul and mind working as one?
That day is here at Memphis City Schools on Thursday, November 12, 2009.
Standardized testing, in some cases, has narrowed the ability of educators to fully determine the unique abilities of each student. To better measure these talents, MCS has developed an exciting initiative called the Exhibition of Student Work that will allow students to excel in areas that may not be captured in the traditional school format.
Every MCS student has developed and will exhibit a project that demonstrates their best work for the past three months. This is the first student exhibition of the school year. The project debuted last school year to great success.
Important projects like this cannot be a success without the community's help. Over 12,000 community volunteers came forward to help with last year's Fall and Spring Exhibitions of Student Work.
Applications for jurors are still available at www.mcsk12.net. Just click on the "Exhibition of Student Work" banner in the center of the MCS home page, or call Miska Bibbs, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at (901) 416-6329 for more information.
Help MCS take our students and our community to the next level. Volunteer to be a juror today and become a part of the Fall Exhibition of Student Work.
Memphis City Schools Kicks Off Local "Read for the Record" Effort on Thursday, October 8, 2009
Superintendent Cash, Mayor Pro Tem Lowery and Many Others Will Read to Gardenview Elementary School Students at 10 a.m.
Posted on 10/7/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Can you imagine your childhood without your favorite stories? That's what it's like for 80% of the children in low income areas of Memphis.
Read for the Record is a national campaign to encourage hundreds of thousands of children and adults to read the same book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, on the same day, October 8. This nation-wide shared reading experience will raise awareness about the early education gap that exists between income levels. Compared with the average 13 book titles available per child in middle-income neighborhoods, only one book title is available for every 300 children in low income neighborhoods.
In support of the goals of this movement, Memphis City Schools will have The Very Hungry Caterpillar read to nearly 53,000 elementary MCS students throughout the school day on Thursday, October 8. Superintendent Cash will officially kick-off the day by reading to the students at Gardenview Elementary at 10 a.m.
Gardenview Elementary School is located at 4075 Hartz Rd.
Overton High School Dance Team
Set to Conduct Fight Free TrainingFriday, October 30, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Posted on 10/30/2009
Memphis, Tenn: - On Friday, October 30, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., the award-winning Overton Dance Team will teach teams of student trainees in elementary, middle and high schools a classroom lesson about positive communication and fight free resolution.
Safe and Drug Free Schools research states that the most powerful prevention programs are those in which older students model behavior and provide younger students with data that can help them choose a safe and drug free lifestyle. Fight free training is completely student led and offers prevention activities that promote leadership and positive behavior.
Students who participate in this training can perform for their school community and teach the positive communication lesson as part of any school's
Fight Free Team throughout the school year and during MCS Healthy Choices Week, November 30 - December 4, 2009.
Memphis City Schools Student
Advances to Finals on
Today Show "Kid Reporter" ContestFinal Round Will Air on November 5 Edition Posted on 10/29/09
Memphis, Tenn: - Colonial Middle School student Deidra Shores has advanced to the final round in the "Kid Reporter" contest on the Today Show.
Deidra appeared with four semi-final contestants on the Today Show this morning. All kid reporter hopefuls were required to submit a "reporter" video. Deidra's submission was a parody of Matt Lauer's "Where in the World is Matt Lauer." The video had her searching for Mr. Lauer throughout the city of Memphis, stopping at various points of interest in hopes of finding him, and then landing an exclusive interview.
During round three of the semi-finals, when asked why she submitted a "Where in the World" parody, Deidra told Natalie Morales, "Matt is a very unique and very cool type of person. He gets to play hide and seek around the world and gets paid for it, so I want to do that." Amid great laughter from Morales and Al Roker, Deidra continued, "I want to know where is there a permission slip or something where I can do that?"
Deidra now moves on the final round, which will air on Thursday, November 5.
Community Invited to MCS
Board of Commissioner
District Meetings
Set to Take Place Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m.
Posted on 10/2/09
Memphis, Tenn. - The MCS Board of Commissioners are hosting individual District meetings to provide parents and community members with the most up to date district information.
The meetings will also include a presentation from the Board of Commissioners about the Reform Governance in Action.
The locations and dates for the District Meetings are as follows:
Monday, October 5, 2009
District I Commissioner Gatewood Raleigh Egypt High School
District V Commissioner Warren White Station High School
District VII Commissioner Hart Central High School
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
District II Commissioner Mallott Cordova High School
District III Commissioner Robinson Whitehaven High School
District IV Commissioner Jones Sheffield High School
Bellevue Middle School Set to Host Second Annual 5K
to Honor Memory of Beloved Teacher
Race on Saturday, October 31, Raises Money for College Scholarship
Posted on 10/15/09
Memphis, Tenn. -On Saturday, October 31, beginning at 7 a.m., Bellevue Middle School will host their very popular annual 5K Walk/Run to honor the memory of Mrs. Margie Dowell, a beloved Bellevue teacher who passed away in December of 2007. Walk/Run proceeds will be used to provide scholarship assistance to Bellevue students.
The second annual 5K Walk/Run provides funding to honor a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and community involvement through participation in nonprofit organizations. The Margie Dowell Service and Leadership Award was created in honor of Mrs. Margie Dowell, who was Bellevue's school trip coordinator, Kids Kan organizer, coronation coordinator, Student Council sponsor, after-school enrichment tutor, community service leader, and much more.
Bellevue Middle School is located at 575 S. Bellevue.
Memphis City Schools Awarded
$7 Million School Improvement Grant
to Redesign 14 High Schools
High School Redesign Celebration and
Information Session Takes Place
Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Posted on 10/14/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools (MCS) will host its High School Redesign Celebration and Symposium on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Teaching and Learning Academy, located at 2485 Union Avenue. The High School Redesign Celebration and Symposium is being held as a result of 14 MCS high schools ($500,000 each) being awarded a $7 million Title I School Improvement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Education. The grant may be renewed annually for up to two years, and if approved could increase the grant total to $21 million.
"This is the Year of the High School and we are excited to receive these unprecedented funds totaling $7 million dollars with the possibility of renewal for the next two years. If we show improvement with fidelity of implementation, the district will have an opportunity to receive a total of $21 million dollars to dramatically restructure and improve our high schools for the 21st century," said Superintendent Cash.
The celebration will last from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and will feature Superintendent Kriner Cash, MCS Board Commissioner Freda Williams, and presentations from each school. The symposium will immediately follow the celebration, which will include specific information about each schools' redesign and provide students, parents, and teacher training sessions around the school's new design platform.
The following high schools are recipients of the grant:
Booker T. Washington, Carver, Craigmont, Fairley, Frayser, Hamilton, Kingsbury, Kirby, Manassas, Northside, Oakhaven, Sheffield, Trezevant, and Wooddale.
Earlier this year, MCS participated in the Department of Education's kick-off initiative for transforming high schools in Nashville with other school districts from around the state. For two days, the MCS team which included representatives from the Board of Commissioners, Office of Federal Programs and Grants, Research, Assessment, and Evaluation, Exceptional Children, the Mayor's Office, of Careers and Technology, High School Initiatives, School Operations, and high school principals learned about basic practices in redesigning struggling high schools.
After participating in the state's kick-off initiative and study tours across the country to assess and monitor high school redesign best practices, MCS representatives began to craft their individual high school reform plan. After seven months of conducting research of students, parents, and teachers, and community stakeholders, and revising and improving their designs, the school teams submitted their competitive application to the State Department of Education for approval.
On August 12, 2009, MCS was informed that the 14 high schools that applied were awarded the High School Redesign Grants.
Beginning in the 2010 school year, 14 High School Redesign schools will implement their redesign plans, which will substantially help to meet new state standards and prepare students for the next level of learning; by improving student proficiency and increasing the number of schools meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmarks; to use data to inform decisions; and to create a system of continuous feedback and improvement.
Some of the redesign models will include :
Smaller learning communities
Early colleges
Career themed academies
Gender-specific learning academies
"We have strategically designed these 14 career themed academies to be aligned with emerging local, regional, and international industries," said Cash.
Specific learning communities and themed academies are as follows:
Booker T. Washington
Freshman Academy-Gender Specific
Sophomore Academy-Gender Specific
Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Academy
Carver
Freshman Academy
Creative, Arts, Design, and Humanities Academy
Connection and Technology Academy
Craigmont
Freshman Academy
Business, Hospitality, and Marketing and Health Academy
Environment and Social Sciences Academy
Fairley
Freshman Academy
Business, Entrepreneur and Technology Academy
Visual and Performing Arts Academy
Frayser
Freshman Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Humanities Academy
Hamilton
Freshman Academy
Public Safety, Logistics and Human Services Academy
Business, Entrepreneur, and Tourism Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Academy
Kingsbury
Freshman Academy- Gender Specific
Information Technology Academy
Biomedical Engineering Academy and Military Academy
Kirby
Freshman Academy
Business and Human Services
Science, Engineering, and Agriculture
Information and Multimedia Academy
Manassas
Freshman Academy
Academy of Design and Technology
Academy of Life Sciences
Academy of Education
Northside
Freshman Academy
Business, Entrepreneur & Technology
Health Human Services, and Hospitality Academy
Oakhaven
Freshman Academy
Early College
Sheffield
Freshman Academy
School of Human Services
School of International Business and Languages
School of Health Sciences, Technology and Career Connections
Trezevant
School of Freshman Studies and Leadership
School of Business, Science, and Technology
School of Communication Arts, and Law
Woooddale
Freshman Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Academy
Aviation, Transportation, and Tourism Academy
Arts, Entertainment and Communications Academy
College and Business Career Preparation
MCS Principal Selected As Finalist for
Tennessee Principal of the Year Posted on 10/13/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Tommie McCarter, the principal of Westwood High School, has been selected as a finalist for Principal of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education.
"We rely on the education leaders like the ones we recognize today to continue moving our schools forward," Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. "As we implement new standards and curriculum, it is these education professionals that make the real difference in what is best for our students."
On October 6, at the Principal of the Year Awards at the State Department of Education, Ms. McCarter was ultimately selected as the Principal of Year for the West Tennessee region out of nine finalists.
Ms. McCarter is an educator with over seventeen years of experience, having taught in DeKalb County, Georgia; Paris, Tennessee; and Memphis, Tennessee. She has served Memphis City Schools as a science teacher, an instructional facilitator, an assistant principal and principal.
During her tenure as principal of Westwood High, the school has received several distinguished honors including being named Federal Express Blue Ribbon School of the Year, receiving the Laura Bush Foundation for American Libraries Grant and being named a MetLife Foundation - NASSP Breakthrough School.
Ms. McCarter was also named Memphis City Schools Principal of the Year for the 2008-09 school year.
MCS Students Set to Participate in
Disability Mentoring Day
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Posted on 10/13/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Over 150 Special Education students from 14 Memphis City high schools will participate in Disability Mentoring Day between 9 a.m. and noon on Thursday, October 15.
Disability Mentoring Day is a nationwide effort to promote career development for nearly 20,000 students and job-seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration and ongoing mentoring relationships.
This day is designed to bring students and job seekers with disabilities into the workplace where they can learn about various career opportunities. Students or job seekers are paired with a career professional to observe and learn what it means to work in that field or occupation, identify necessary skills, and learn about possible internships or employment prospects.
Nike, FedEx Ground and WalMart are just a few of the local companies that will participate in this event. Each student will have the opportunity to shadow an employee of the participating business and learn more about a particular skill set.
This program is held annually during the third week of October in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Community Invited to MCS
"Region Informational Meetings" Posted on 10/1/09
Memphis, Tenn. - Superintendent Kriner Cash has created a series of informational meetings to encourage dialogue and provide parents and community members with the most current information about district initiatives. The first meetings took place last Saturday, September 26 at Wooddale and Bellevue Middle Schools.
The meetings include remarks from Board of Commissioners, Regional Superintendents, breakout sessions on H1N1, new state standards and assessments/MCS curriculum and the new PreK-3 continuum/retention and progression policies.
The schedule for this Saturday's Regional Information Sessions:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Southwest Region:
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hamilton Middle School, 1478 Wilson Street
Cherokee Elementary School
Set to Offer Free School Supplies
on Tuesday, August 4 at 8 a.m. Posted on 07/30/09
Memphis, Tenn. " The first 200 Cherokee Elementary School families who register their students for school this Tuesday, August 4, will receive free school supplies!
This special registration incentive was made possible by Adopt-A-School partners Memphis Business Interiors, Regions Bank and
Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church.
Registration will take place at the school between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and again from 6 " 8 p.m.
Cherokee Elementary School is located at 3061 Kimball.
