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Memphis City Schools to Assist Homeless Students Memphis, Tenn. – Responding to a growing need and a shrinking economy, Memphis City Schools is reaching out to help homeless students this holiday season. The need is great -- there are as many as 1,500 homeless students across the district. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kriner Cash has identified student mobility and homelessness as a major challenge for Memphis City Schools. The Department of Human Resources, in conjunction with Dolores Flagg, MCS homeless liaison, has set up an account with Memphis Area Teachers Credit Union (MATCU). Employee and community contributions can be made through any area MATCU branch to the MCS Homeless Children and Youth Fund. Proceeds from the fund will be used to purchase hats, gloves, coats and other necessities for homeless students.
First Induction Ceremony for New Student Transition Center Set for Tomorrow, Thursday, December 18 Memphis, Tenn. – The Student Transition Center, a new program implemented by Memphis City Schools, will hold its first induction ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, 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 have already made their transition in as few as six weeks. Tomorrow’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.
Georgia Avenue Elementary School to Deliver Holiday Cheer to Students Special Holiday Celebration with Mr. and Mrs. Claus Set for Thursday, Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m. Posted on December 16, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – Georgia Avenue Elementary School hopes to deliver a smile to every one of its students’ faces this holiday season. Georgia Avenue has a large population of underprivileged students, and for many years, the school and its adopters have ensured that every student receives at least one present before leaving school for the holiday break. Presents are being distributed this week and there will be a holiday celebration with a visit from Santa Claus himself this Thursday, December 18, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Georgia Avenue Elementary School in the cafeteria. “Even in this economy, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community,” said Georgia Avenue principal Raychellet Williamson. “None of this would be possible without the efforts of organizations like Memphis Rotary Club East, Trinity Baptist Church of Cordova, the United Way of the Mid-South and Coca-Cola Enterprises.” Coca-Cola Enterprises is donating everything for the celebration on Thursday, which will include hot dogs, Coke products, presents for the children, a disc jockey and much more. Georgia Avenue Elementary School is located at 690 Mississippi Boulevard. Media outlets are requested to check in with the school’s office upon arrival.
Memphis City Schools to OPEN Today, Tuesday, December 16 Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools will be open today, Tuesday, December 16. All schools, as well as the Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA), will operate on a normal schedule. All evening athletic events and other school/district functions including the Parent Assembly meeting will continue as scheduled. If weather conditions should change during the day, parents should monitor media outlets as well as the district’s web site. The district will also provide updates directly to parents via its ParentLink communications system.
Memphis City Schools Closing at 1:30 p.m. Today Memphis, Tenn. – All Memphis City Schools will close at 1:30 today, Monday, December 15, due to expected inclement weather. There will be no after-care services. Athletic events and other school/district functions scheduled for this evening are cancelled. For more information, contact the Memphis City Schools main line, 416-5300, or the Department of Communications, Marketing and Development, 416-5628.
Memphis City Schools and Urban Art Commission to Dedicate Mural at White Station Middle School Memphis, TN – The new mural at White Station Middle School will be officially dedicated on Thursday, December 11, at 9 a.m. at the school. Mr. John Weedon, Executive Director of the Urban Art Commission, will dedicate the sculpture, along with school’s assistant principal, Lionel Cable. The artist, Kristi Duckworth, will be present to discuss her inspiration for the piece. The school’s chamber choir and symphonic bands will also perform holiday selections and there will be a reception in the school library to celebrate the dedication. The mural’s theme is “Diversity,” and was chosen by the artist to reflect the wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities of the students at White Station Middle School. Ms. Duckworth completed the mosaic in about two months, working with school faculty and sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students to create individual tiles that reflected foods, culture and landmarks from across the universe. The completed mosaic contains over 250,000 tiles. The Urban Art Commission and Memphis City Schools commissioned this piece as part of the “Percent for Art” program, in which 1% of capital improvement funds is specifically designated for urban art. White Station Middle School is located at 5465 Mason Rd. The dedication will be held in the school auditorium.
MCS Students to Perform with Grammy Nominated Performers Memphis, TN – Students from Snowden and White Station Middle choirs will have the chance of a lifetime to perform with Grammy-nominated artists Kathleen Battle and Kirk Whalum during an exclusive performance at the Cannon Center on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. This special holiday concert pairs world-renowned soprano and five-time Grammy winner Kathleen Battle, performing a unique program of classical, holiday, secular and spiritual favorites in collaboration with jazz saxophone virtuoso and eight-time Grammy nominee, Kirk Whalum. Choirs from Snowden and White Station Middle Schools will be featured during the performance. Ms. Battle created this event to celebrate the diversity of the Memphis musical community. Tickets range from $20 - $70 plus service charge and may be purchased through TicketMaster. Groups of 15 or more are eligible for a special group rate. For ticket information, contact TicketMaster at (901) 743-2787.
Parents and Community Members Invited to Superintendent’s Town Hall Meeting
Posted on December 8, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – Superintendent Kriner Cash will host a town hall meeting TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 9, at 6 p.m. at American Way Middle School to discuss the first 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 American Way Middle School, located at 3805 American Way. There will be additional parking and a shuttle service available at Getwell Elementary, 2795 Getwell, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The program will feature student performances, recognition of student achievements, a Parent and Community Resource center that will provide information on key MCS departments, and a question and answer session with the Superintendent.
C19 TV to Debut “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert TONIGHT Memphis, TN – Get into the holiday spirit with the first ever Memphis City Schools Telecommunications Center holiday concert! This unique event promises to captivate with songs and traditional holiday performances by some of the most talented students in the district. The special holiday concert will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 5 in the Ridgeway Middle School Auditorium. The concert will feature spectacular holiday performances by the following choirs: Cordova Elementary School Tickets are just $5 for MCS students, $10 for adults, and may be purchased with cash at the door. All concert proceeds will support the MCS Telecommunications Center. Ridgeway Middle School is located at 6333 Quince.
Students Will Get a Special Visit from “The Spirit of Giving" TOMORROW, Friday, December 5 Memphis, TN - Over 5,000 children at 11 Memphis City Schools will receive a big surprise on the morning of Friday, December 5 – A Visit from the Sprit of Giving.
Parents and Community Members Invited to Superintendent’s Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, December 9, 2008 American Way Middle School at 6 p.m. Doors Open at 5 p.m. for Parent & Community Resource Center Memphis, Tenn. – Superintendent Kriner Cash will host a town hall meeting on Tuesday, December 9, at 6 p.m. at American Way Middle School to discuss the first 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 American Way Middle School, located at 3805 American Way. There will be additional parking and a shuttle service available at Getwell Elementary, 2795 Getwell, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The program will feature student performances, recognition of student achievements, a Parent and Community Resource center that will provide information on key MCS departments, and a question and answer session with the Superintendent.
Memphis Council PTA to hold Annual Reflections Arts Awards Program The Memphis Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA) will hold its annual Reflections Arts Awards Program on Thursday, December 4, 2008, in the Bridges Center at 477 N. Fifth Street. Registration opens at 5:30 p.m., with the program from 6 to 8 p.m.
C19 TV Debuts “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert Memphis, TN – Get into the holiday spirit with the first ever Memphis City Schools Telecommunications Center holiday concert! This traditional event promises to captivate with songs and performances by some of the most talented students in the district. The special holiday concert will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 5 in the Ridgeway Middle School Auditorium. The concert will feature spectacular holiday performances by the following Memphis City Schools’ choirs: Cordova Elementary School Tickets are $5 for MCS students, $10 for adults, and may be purchased with cash at the door. Proceeds from the concert will directly support the programs of the MCS Telecommunications Center. Ridgeway Middle School is located at 6333 Quince.
U.S. Department of Education to Present John P. Freeman School with NCLB Blue Ribbon School Status TOMORROW, November 25, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. Superintendent Cash, Representatives from U.S. Department of Education and Tennessee Commissioner of Education Set to Attend Posted on November 24, 2008
Memphis City Schools Gearing Up for Healthy Choices Week December 1 – 5! Dozens of Local Health Organizations, Community Supporters on Board for District’s Fourth Annual Health Awareness Campaign Community Health Fair Sponsored by Boy Scouts, Blue Cross-Blue Shield Set for Posted on November 20, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools’ fourth annual Healthy Choices Week is right around the corner, and local health organizations and community supporters are working with schools and district offices to make this year’s awareness campaign a major success. Healthy Choices Week, which takes place December 1 - 5, is a week-long celebration in the schools and community for the year-round efforts aimed at increasing awareness about healthy living. The week is planned around the city’s observance of World Aids Day on Monday, December 1, with the other days of the week dedicated to specific fundamentals of healthy development. “Each day during Healthy Choices Week is designed with the acquisition of good health in mind,” said Ava Taylor, Director of the Healthy Choices Week campaign and for the district’s Office of Coordinated School Health. “This shows that we are taking a personal responsibility for achieving and maintaining our own good health and making a collective display of support for our students to do the same.” Healthy Choices Week 2005 was the start of Memphis City Schools' charge to establish a path to better health. The campaign grew in response to some alarming health statistics revealed about youth in the greater Memphis area in the Centers for Disease Control’s 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and drew a wide range of community attention and support for healthier eating and exercise habits, safer sexual behaviors and more positive relationships. In addition to every classroom in every Memphis City school and more than a dozen administrative departments, this year’s Healthy Choices Week campaign will include the efforts of more than 40 local health and community organizations. For more information or to learn how to get involved with Memphis City Schools’ Healthy Choices Week campaign, contact the district’s Office of Coordinated School Health at 416-5930, or visit www.mcsk12.net. Events for 2008 Healthy Choices Week: Special Kick-Off Event THIS SATURDAY, November 22 – Second Annual Healthy Choices Fair – “Fitness Body and Mind” Monday, December 1 – World AIDS Day Tuesday, December 2 – Healthy Relationships Day Wednesday, December 3 - Drug Free Day
Thursday, December 4 - Healthy Neighborhoods Day
Friday, December 5 - Healthy Weight Day
Saturday, December 6 – Participation in St. Jude Grizzlies House 5K Run/Walk
Memphis City Schools Set to Debut Exhibition of Student Work TOMORROW, Thursday, November 13 Posted on November 12, 2008 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 tomorrow, Thursday, November 13, 2008. Standardized testing, in some cases, has narrowed the ability of educators to fully determine the unique abilities of each student. To better gauge their 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 at every school has developed and will exhibit a project that demonstrates their best work for the first three months of the school year. There will be two student exhibitions each year. The Fall Exhibition is set for November 13, 2008 and the Spring Exhibition will be on April 28, 2009. 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.
Parents and Community Members Invited to Superintendent’s First Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Snowden School at 7 p.m. Posted on November 10, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash will host a town hall meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. at Snowden School to discuss his first 100 days in office and the initiatives he will focus on for the remainder of the school year. The meeting will take place from 7 – 9 p.m. at Snowden School, 1870 N. Parkway. There will be additional free parking and a shuttle service available from the Memphis Zoo beginning at 5:30 p.m. The program will feature student performances, recognition of student achievements, a Parent and Community Resource center that will provide information on key MCS departments, and a question and answer session with the Superintendent.
State Report Card Shows Memphis City Schools Continuing in Right Direction State’s Largest District Earns Two A's and Two B's for its 2008 Tennessee Value Added Posted on November 10, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – In a report card released today by the Tennessee Department of Education, students in Memphis City Schools earned two A's and two B's according to the state’s Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS) score for 2008. The TVAAS score is a core component of the state report card that measures students’ academic growth from one year to the next. Report card grades are based on three-year averages and measure growth in Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Areas of progress for the district include:
“Memphis City Schools administration has already been using this data to shape district reforms,” said Dr. John Barker, Executive Director, Research, Evaluation & Assessment. "The state report card allows the district to now share the data with the community. This year there’s a real focus on checking students’ progress along the way to the TCAP and Gateway tests in the spring. Our focus on formative assessment will help drive achievement results.” Each November, the Department of Education issues a report card for the state’s 136 school systems. Report cards are reflective of students’ scores on the TCAP Assessments and high school Gateway exams in English, Algebra and Biology. Report cards follow the release of NCLB results (in August) and include the NCLB information in addition to student demographics, attendance, promotion, graduation, dropout rates, achievement scores, writing assessments and ACT results. The Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) is a diagnostic tool used by the state and school systems to measure the effectiveness of teachers and administrators in producing expected growth in student achievement.
Dr. Vista Suarez Named Director of Central Nutrition Center of Memphis City Schools Posted on November 10, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – Dr. Vista Suarez, director of School Nutrition Services for Richmond Public Schools, has been selected as the new director of the Central Nutrition Center for Memphis City Schools. Her expected start date is Monday, December 8, 2008. Dr. Suarez has been in the field of nutrition services for several years in various leadership positions. During her career, her leadership roles have included serving as a nutrition consultant for the Nevada Department of Education in Las Vegas and as an administrator for the Orange County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department in Orlando, Florida.
Elected Officials and MCS Board Commissioners Set to Attend Preview of Exhibition of Student Work Posted on November 7, 2008 Special Preview Set to Take Place at Douglass K-8 School on Wednesday, November 12 Memphis, Tenn. – Elected officials, MCS Board Commissioners and members of the media are invited to attend a special preview of the Exhibition of Student Work at Douglass K-8 School, located at 1650 Ash St., on Wednesday, November 12, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students from Douglass have been working diligently on their projects and are excited about the opportunity to present them to select members of the community during this special lunch preview. The Exhibition of Student Work was developed because standardized testing, in some cases, has narrowed the ability of educators to fully determine the unique abilities of each student. To better gauge their talents, MCS has developed this exciting initiative to 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 first three months of the school year. There will be two student exhibitions each year. The Fall Exhibition is set for Thursday, November 13 and the Spring Exhibition will be on April 28, 2009. 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.
Parents and Community Members Invited to Superintendent’s First Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Snowden School at 7 p.m. Memphis, Tenn. – Superintendent Kriner Cash will host a town hall meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. at Snowden School to discuss his first 100 days in office and the initiatives he will focus on for the remainder of the school year. The meeting will take place from 7 – 9 p.m. at Snowden School, 1870 N. Parkway. The program will feature student performances, recognition of student achievements, a resource center that will provide information on key MCS departments, and a question and answer session with the Superintendent.
Posted on October 29, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – Students at Brewster Elementary will have the opportunity to work out with NBA players during the “Get Fit with the Grizzlies Tip-Off” event tomorrow, Thursday, October 30, at 2 p.m. Memphis Grizzlies players Mike Conley, Darrell Arthur and Hakim Warrick plus the Grizz Girls will be on hand to lead students in activities that promote physical fitness. The “Get Fit Tip-Off” marks the start of a four week challenge where local fourth and fifth grade students track what they eat and the amount of exercise that they get in order to live healthier lives. Dr. William H. Brewster Elementary is located at 2605 Sam Cooper Blvd.
MCS High School Debate Season Posted on October 18, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. – The inaugural Interscholastic Debate Tournament of the Memphis Urban Debate League will hold its second debate tomorrow, Saturday, October 18th, at Trezevant High School from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Debate teams from 15 Memphis City High Schools will participate in the tournament. According to pre-registration figures, student participation in the second debate tournament of the season has increased by over 20% over the inaugural tournament held last month. There will be four additional debate tournaments throughout the year culminating with a City Championship Tournament that will be held in late February.
Memphis City Schools Needs Community Volunteers Posted on October 13, 2008 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 That day is here at Memphis City Schools on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Standardized testing, in some cases, has narrowed the ability of educators to fully determine the unique abilities of each student. To better gauge 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 will develop and exhibit a project that demonstrates their best work for the first three months of the school year. There will be two student exhibitions each year. The Fall Exhibition is set for Thursday, November 13 and the Spring Exhibition will be April 28, 2009. 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. In order to effectively evaluate each student’s work, approximately 4,000 volunteers are needed to serve as jurors. 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 debut of the Exhibition of Student Work on Thursday, November, 13, 2008. 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 416-6329 for more information. Help MCS take our students and our community to the next level. Volunteer to be a juror today.
Classes Will Resume at Colonial Middle School Tomorrow, Memphis, Tenn. - Colonial Middle School will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7. Classes were cancelled Monday, October 6 due to a water main break. The water main break has been repaired. Students who attend Colonial Middle School will be required to make up the day of school which was missed due to this incident. The district will notify parents via its ParentLink phone messaging system that the school will reopen tomorrow, as well as inform them when the make up date will be scheduled.
Classes Cancelled at Colonial Middle School Tomorrow, Monday, October 6 Posted on October 7, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. - Colonial Middle School will be closed tomorrow, Monday, October 6, due to a water main break. The district will notify parents via its ParentLink phone messaging system. Updates on the status of the school will be provided to parents, as well as local media outlets, when more information is available.
John P. Freeman School Named 2008 NCLB Blue Ribbon School Memphis, Tenn. – John P. Freeman School is one of 320 schools in the nation recently chosen by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings as 2008 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools. The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.
Memphis City Schools Class of 2008 Earns Over $105 Million in Scholarships Memphis, Tenn. – 2008 Memphis City Schools graduates were awarded $105,755,842 in scholarship money. This is the most money awarded to a graduating class since the district-wide tracking process was implemented in 2002 and the fourth consecutive year that the amount has increased, proving that MCS efforts to prepare students for post-secondary education are continuing in progressive fashion. Nearly $64 million of the scholarship money offered to 2008 students was for academic-based awards, which is an $18 million climb from 2005. One specific accomplishment worth noting was at Whitehaven High School, where their graduating class received an increase in scholarship offers for the fourth consecutive year. Students at the school were awarded nearly $11 million in scholarships, an increase of $4 million over last year’s offerings.
MCS High School Debate Season Set to Open Saturday Memphis, Tenn. – The inaugural Interscholastic Debate Tournament of the Memphis Urban Debate League will take place this Saturday, September 20th, at Overton High School from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Debate teams from 15 Memphis City High Schools will participate in the tournament. The teams, like other high schools across the nation, will be debating the same national topic: should the United States federal government substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States? Teams will debate both the affirmative and negative sides of the issue through four rounds. The winners will be those teams that end up with the best record over the four rounds. Speaker points, awarded at the end of each debate, will be used as a tie-breaker. “The teams began practicing and prepping before the school year began when the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues held a summer workshop for interested students in July,” said Sarah Meltzer, League Director for the Memphis Urban Debate League. “Since then, we have held student and coaches’ workshops almost every weekend.” Les Lynn, Senior Consultant with the NAUDL, added, “Memphis City Schools and the Board of Education have been strong supporters of the program. James Bacchus and Michael Smith of Memphis City Schools have provided all of the assistance we could expect for a well-run program.”
Memphis City Schools Requests Help in Local “Read for the Record” Effort 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. In support of the goals of this movement, Memphis City Schools will have Corduroy read to all 12,000 preschool and Kindergarten MCS students throughout the school day on Thursday, October 2. You can help by volunteering to read that day or by donating a new or gently used copy of Corduroy 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.
No Child Left Behind Transfer Dates Set for August 18 - September 5 Memphis, Tenn. – Parents with children attending a Title I Memphis City School that is identified by the state as being in "High Priority" status*, will have the opportunity to transfer their child to a school listed in "Good Standing" from Monday, August 18 through Friday, September 5, 2008. This opportunity is available as a result of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, which provides additional educational options for students at lower performing schools. Parents interested in transferring their children must first complete a transfer application form. Application forms are available at the Office of Student Enrollment and Records, eligible schools and on the district Web site at www.mcsk12. Additionally, the forms can be mailed or faxed to parents upon request. Completed transfer applications will be accepted from August 18 through September 5 in the Office of Student Enrollment and Records, Room 104 in the Board of Education at 2597 Avery Ave. Details regarding NCLB transfer options, along with information regarding free transportation to select choice schools, have been mailed to homes of students attending the following eligible Memphis City Schools: A. Maceo Walker Middle 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 benchmark for two or more years in the row.
MCS Board of Education to Host Budget Information Session for State and Local Elected Officials, Concerned Parents Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis City Schools Board of Education will host a budget information session for State Representatives, the Shelby County Commission, the Memphis City Council, concerned parents and community members Thursday, August 14, at 7 p.m. at BRIDGES, located at 477 N. Fifth St.
MCS Board of Education Meeting With Memphis City Council Has Been Postponed Due To A Scheduling Conflict Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis City Schools Board of Education budget presentation to the Memphis City Council, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, at 5:30 p.m., has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict and will be rescheduled for later this week.
MCS Board of Education to Make Budget Presentation to Memphis City Council Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis City Schools Board of Education will make a budget presentation to the Memphis City Council tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12, at 5:30 p.m. at BRIDGES, located at 477 N. Fifth St.
Superintendent Kriner Cash to Welcome Students Back to School Monday Morning, August 11, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. - Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kriner Cash and School Board President Tomeka Hart will welcome students back to school on Monday, August 11, 2008 by visiting the following schools detailed below: Booker T. Washington High School 7:45 a.m. 715 S. Lauderdale Downtown Elementary School 9:10 a.m. 10 N. Fourth Street Vance Middle School 10:25 a.m. 673 Vance Avenue Members of the media interested in getting footage of Dr. Cash and Commissioner Hart at the schools must contact the MCS Department of Communications for access prior to arrival at the school.
Ford Motor Company to “Fill the Ford Flex” with School Supplies for Memphis City Schools Memphis, Tenn., - Memphis City Schools and the Ford Motor Company are asking the Memphis community to join them in “Filling the Ford Flex” with donated school supplies for Memphis City Schools students. Ford will host the charitable event on Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday, August 10 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 577 Germantown Parkway. "We are excited and appreciative that the Ford Motor Company included Memphis City Schools in the 'Filling the Ford Flex' promotion. It is this kind of goodwill and citizenship on the part of our business partners that is helping move the District forward on behalf of our children and youth," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kriner Cash. “Ford is more than just a business, it’s a part of the community,” said Marty Field, Ford Memphis Region Brand Manager. “Together we can help make sure the kids have the resources they need to be successful when they start school this fall.” Interested donors can pick up the lists of needed supplies on Saturday and Sunday at the “Fill the Flex” display at the Wal-Mart Supercenter and make their donation on site. WHAT: WHEN: WHERE:
MCS to Host SES Information Fair Saturday, August 16 for Parents Interested in Free Tutoring Opportunities Memphis, Tenn. – MCS will host a Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Information Fair to inform parents about available tutoring opportunities on Saturday, August 16, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 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 attend “high priority” Title I schools about various state-approved tutorial service providers. Parents can also complete tutoring enrollment forms for the 2008-2009 SES school year. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, ONLY students eligible for free or reduced lunch at “high priority” schools 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. The SES Information Fair will feature a live broadcast from WHRK/K97 as well as carnival games, prizes and food. Detailed information regarding SES, including a list of eligible schools, is available on the district Web site at http://www.mcsk12.net/aboutmcs_nclb_ses.asp. For more information, contact Memphis City Schools’ Department of Federal Programs and Grants at 416-4250.
MCS Continues AYP Improvements District in Good Standing; Benchmarks Increase 11 Schools off the High Priority List 12 of 15 Striving Schools Make Improvement. Memphis, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Education announced today that Memphis City Schools is a district in Good Standing, based on academic achievement results from the 2007-08 school year. The state also announced that eleven (11) city schools were taken off the State's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) "high priority" list, signaling a new beginning for schools that have demonstrated two consecutive years of academic improvement. 'The students, parents, teachers, and staff in schools that performed admirably as well as those schools that continue to show improvement, are to be commended and should be encouraged by these results," said MCS Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash. 'We realize this is just one part of boosting student achievement. We must continue to deepen and enrich the curriculum for all students so that they can graduate prepared to compete in a global economy," he added. Board President Tomeka Hart added, "It is clear that as academic standards continue to rise we must ensure full funding for MCS so that all schools and all students have an equal and high quality opportunity to succeed. Additionally, I would like to thank interim Superintendent Dan Ward for his hard work and commitment to our children". MCS celebrates these eleven schools that have moved off the "high priority" list this year:
* East made improvements but is in Target status for 2008-09. Kingsbury Middle and Westside Middle also moved into Good Standing, but were new schools during the 2007-08 and were not officially counted on last year's High Priority list issued by the state. Going from "High Priority" status to Good Standing requires that a school make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two years in a row. AYP, as defined by each state, is based on specifications in the federal law. NCLB requires that schools receiving federal funds must meet goals for test scores and test participation in math and reading for the overall student population and also for subgroups (e.g., students with disabilities, free and reduced lunch students, limited English proficient students). High schools must also meet goals for graduation rates, while elementary schools must meet the goal for school attendance. For the first time in three years, the state benchmarks for performance were raised in both math and reading. Benchmarks are scheduled to increase every three years on a projection path to meeting the NCLB goal of 100 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced by 2013-14. Of the 15 schools designated by MCS as Striving Schools (e.g., schools with an NCLB status of Restructuring 2 and greater including first-year schools Kingsbury Middle and Westside Middle) for the 2007-08 school year, 12 moved to improving categories:
This year, the state identified 29 schools in High Priority compared to 41 last year. Oakhaven Middle School, separated from Oakhaven High and counted in the same status as the high school, brings the total to 30. As a district in Good Standing, MCS joins more than 120 other districts across the state as having met the expectations of the accountability system established under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Six districts across Tennessee were deemed High Priority systems. For a complete list of MCS schools and their status, please visit our website at www.mcsk12.net. Information about the Tennessee's accountability system and AYP can be found at www.state.tn.us/nclb/ayp.
MCS Teacher Completes Tenure on State Board of Education Memphis, Tenn. – Sharon R. Williams, the first teacher to represent the Ninth Congressional District on the State Board of Education, has completed her four-year term on the board. Williams’ career at Memphis City Schools has included serving as an Academic Specialist, a teacher in the Division of Alternative Schools and as an elementary school teacher. She has been recognized for her work through numerous honors, including an Outstanding Educator Recognition award from President George Bush, being named an Outstanding Educator by both the Tennessee Education Association and the Memphis Education Association and being named a recipient of the Rotary Award of Teacher Excellence. Williams is also a member of the Leadership Memphis Class of 2008 and Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis City Schools will launch a new and improved website on Monday, July 14, 2008. The new site will offer enhanced technology that will feature streaming audio, video on demand
The website will be accessible to the community on Monday, July 14, 2008 at the district's URL: www.mcsk12.net .
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