Accomplishments

Moving Forward …

During the 2006-2007 school year, staff and students in the Division of Alternative Schools and Programs accomplished much. Among the greatest accomplishments was a national leadership award presented to Division Director Joris Ray for his outstanding work as a young educational leader. During its annual conference in Anaheim, CA, the award was presented by members of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). This prestigious honor was highlighted in the Commercial Appeal Newspaper, the Memphis Daily News, the NEA/TEA Newsletter, and in Educational Leadership Magazine.

Other awards presented to Director Ray during the past school year include the MPACT Memphis Leadership and Educational Achievement Award, a proclamation and key to the city from the Memphis City Council, and leadership awards from both the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the League of Negro Women.

Other noteworthy accomplishments within the division include:

• Stafford Academy and Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Academy graduated over 140 students.

• Over 85% of the students who graduated indicated in a survey that they planned to pursue post-secondary studies.

• Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Academy received its Certificate of Accreditation from SACS.

• Multiple staff members within the division received advanced degrees.

• Four students from Ida B. Wells Academy won the “Do It Right” Essay Contest.

• Ida B. Wells’ choir performed at the 2006-2007 School Choice Fair and spring Board of Education meeting.

• Ida B. Wells was featured on News Channel 3 for having a Forensic Science Summer Camp.

• Ida B. Wells’ Spanish teacher and guidance counselor earned National Board Certification.

• Ida B. Wells Academy was MEA’s School of the Year.

• Dominique Love, a graduate of the Adolescent Parenting Program, received a full four-year scholarship to Lemoyne-Owen College.

• Judith Hines, teacher at Oakhaven Success Academy, received national recognition for outstanding work with service learning and was contacted by HBO.

• John White, principal at Pyramid Academy, was nominated for MCS’s Principal of the Year and recommended as interim superintendent of MCS.

• Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, professional school counselor, presented a paper at several national and international conferences, and was recognized by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE).

• The Division of Alternative Schools and Programs received a $150,000 grant from Youth Violence and Drug-Free Prevention.