Give a round of applause to this year's winner and runner up in the Kathryn C. Mitchell Spelling Bee.



The Bee was held last week and Jeremy G. of DuPont Hadley Middle School came out on top. Christine L. from Meigs Middle Magnet followed closely behind as runner-up.

(L-R) Tracy Hardin, President of The Links, INC. presenting our Spelling Bee winner with a $500.00 Check from Dr. and Mrs. Carver G. Wilcox, daughter and son-in-law of Dr. Kathryn C. Mitchell; Jeremy G., Spelling Bee Winner-DuPont Hadley MS; Dr. Lora Hall, MNPS; Christine L., Spelling Bee Runner up- Meigs Magnet Middle School; Toni Davis, Representing The Links, INC and the Charles Davis Foundation that donated a $250 check to the runner up

Oh, and by the way - the winning word was VENTILATE. VENTILATE. Shall I use it in a sentence?

From Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee:



Oliver Middle School students spent all day Monday learning about capital resources, imports and exports, the importance of budgeting, and the characteristics of entrepreneurs. They studied foreign currency, created business plans, set personal budgets and crafted résumés. Students learned all of this not from their teachers, but from businesspeople.



More than 60 employees from 23 area companies took over the school on December 17th, leading interactive programming on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship through a JA in a Day event hosted by Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee.



“JA in a day at Oliver Middle School is a wonderful day for our students. Students get to play math games and make advertisements for products, which helps develop critical thinking skills and stimulates their creativity. Students also get to know a variety of community professionals who are interested in furthering students’ educations in unique and thoughtful ways. Thank you, Junior Achievement,” said Linda Latter, Counselor at Oliver Middle.

Dr. Susan Kessler (center), JA Associate Board Member and Executive Principal at Hunter’s Lane High School, and Andrew Davis (right), Assistant Principal at Hunter’s Lane High School, volunteer at Oliver Middle School.

Junior Achievement provides hands-on programming that connects what students are learning in the classroom to the real-world. Offered to students in Kindergarten through high school, JA programs combine discussions and group activities into lessons that help students understand the important role education plays in a successful future.



JA in a Day combines all six lessons of JA’s middle school programming into one day, instead of spreading the lessons out over several weeks. Having dedicated volunteers take over the entire school ensured all 860 students in the Metro Nashville school received the lessons at the same time on the same day.



JA of Middle Tennessee President Trent Klingensmith said, “Being able to reach every student in four grades with JA’s message of financial responsibility and workplace skills is incredible. As an organization, Junior Achievement is grateful to the volunteers who helped inspire hundreds of students at Oliver Middle to take the steps today that will lead to success in life and the workplace down the road.”



Several volunteers participating in Oliver’s JA in a Day were JA Board Members. Associate Board Member Jaclyn Carney of Radsource had a great experience. She said, “my teaching partner and I spent the day with a great group of 23 eighth graders...this day was so rewarding as it allowed me the opportunity to engage with the next generation and challenge them to start thinking about what it means to own their own economic success. The lessons and activities provided to us by JA were visibly impactful as they empowered these students to open their minds, think about their future, and begin the important journey of self-discovery. From evaluating their own skills, values, and interests in thinking about future career options, to balancing a budget, to understanding the difference between credit and cash, the value of education, and many things in between, I feel as though each student walked away from this JA in a Day experience with an increased level of self knowledge and the important foundation from which to build upon their own economic success. I am confident that because of JA in a Day, each of these 23 students were exposed to priceless lessons that challenged them to think outside the walls of their eighth grade classroom and dream big!”



The teachers and students at Oliver Middle School are no strangers to JA volunteer experiences. This marked the fourth year in a row the school has opened its doors to host a whole-school JA in a Day event for its middle schoolers.



Junior Achievement hosts other JA in a Day programs throughout Middle Tennessee. Companies and schools interested in participating should contact JA Director of Programs Andy Schenck at 615.627.1186 or andys@janash.com.

They call themselves the P.U.R.P.L.E. Girl’s, but their community may be more inclined to call them good citizens and servants. 



Fifteen Goodlettsville Middle ladies, grades six through eight, are part of a special mentoring group (P.U.R.P.L.E.: Pursuing Uniqueness, Responsibility, Purpose, Leadership, & Education) that aims to serve the community. Thanksgiving weekend, the girls volunteered at The Women’s and Children’s Shelter and served dinner to more than 200 homeless women and children. The project proved to be a powerful, and fun, experience!

We want to give a big shout out to Lakeview Elementary Design Center and W.H. Oliver Middle School, both of which were awarded Music Makes Us education grants from the Nashville Singers. Check out the news release below.

Lakeview Design Center & Oliver Middle School Receive Music Education Grants from The Nashville Singers, Inc.

Nashville, TN - Lakeview Design Center and W.H. Oliver Middle School were each announced as recipients of a $500.00 Music Makes a Difference music education grant from Nashville Singers in May of this year. The formal presentation took place at the Nashville Singers annual Season of Harmony concert on November 17 at Hillsboro High School. 

Since being founded in November of 2008, the philanthropic mission of Nashville Singers has been to enrich lives through support of music education in our schools and the community. To support this mission, the chorus funds several programs, including a free singing lessons program entitled Acappella Academy, music education grants, middle and high school master classes, and the Educator of the Future college scholarship created for students pursuing a music education degree.

Upon hearing the announcement, Carol Crittenden, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) remarked, "The Nashville Singers have not only been an incredible financial support for grant recipients in Metro Schools, but the members have also given of their time and talents to support our music students. This is the type of commitment and partnership we greatly value."



Jay Steele, Associate Superintendent for MNPS High Schools added, "A rich curriculum that includes the arts is very important for all students in Nashville and MNPS is very fortunate to have such supportive partners like the Nashville Singers."



Kim Marie Folsom of Lakeview Design Center stated, "I am so thankful for the Nashville Singers, who provide help for students in need, through music education. They realize that music teaches math, language, history, reading and science in a fun environment. I am so grateful for their support."



Franklin J. Willis of Oliver Middle School added, "The Oliver Middle School community advocates in the importance of music education in students' lives. Receiving this award not only serves as monetary gain to fund the new chorus program, but motivation to meet the challenge of engaging students in finding their own voice through music. It is truly an honor to be a recipient of the Nashville Singer's Music Makes a Difference Grant. I look forward to future collaborations with Nashville Singers and the Oliver Middle School Chorus."  

Other dignitaries on hand for the presentation and concert included Laurie Schell, Director of the Music Makes Us education project, Margaret Campbelle-Holman, Executive Director of Choral Arts Link, and Peter Bird, President and CEO of the Frist Foundation.

About Nashville Singers

In their first four years, this volunteer group has grown from four to 15 singers, learned 42 songs, released their first CD, racked up 50 performances for 32 organizations in seven counties across Tennessee, and produced a successful concert series which attracted attendees from 36 cities in eight states across the USA. Their concert audiences have ranged in size from a few hundred to 4000 people. Their diverse repertoire spans many genres. Their philanthropic mission is to enrich lives through support of music education in our schools and the community. This support comes in the form of music education grants, college scholarships, master classes in area schools, and an annual free singing lessons program called Acappella Academy. Nashville Singers has awarded $2500 in music education grants and scholarships in the last two years. The Nashville Singers, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information about Nashville Singers, visit them online at www.nashvillesingers.org.

Two days before the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a pretty fair assumption that turkeys are on
the minds of many. But at John Early Museum Magnet Middle School, a different type of fowl has students preoccupied.

As part of a unit on Egyptian culture, the students are studying mummies. Nothing really new there, but what IS new is that students are actually mummifying chickens. Check out the photos below of the project-based lesson in action!

John Early Museum Magnet Middle School gives students a chance to learn rigorous academics in the setting of a museum. The school teaches and implements museum methods including inquiry, critical thinking, projects, interpretation and hands-on analysis of objects. It relies on the integration of the arts across the curriculum to further engage students, and it enlists the help of curators and educators from more than 30 museums, historic sites and organizations in the midstate.

Lady Liberty has landed ... at McMurray Middle School! The statue came to life to teach students a brief lesson in history and help them find their place in our country's future. The 30-minute theatrical lesson was part of the Next Great Americans Tour sponsored by the Liberty Learning Foundation.

Rose Park Math and Science Magnet Middle School won the highly coveted SCORE Prize, a statewide award that recognizes dramatic improvement in student achievement. Rose Park won in the middle school division.

Click to read the official news release issued by SCORE.

Gra-Mar Middle School is opening its doors to all for a special Pancake Breakfast! Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8 - 10 a.m., you are invited to join students and staff in the school cafeteria for a stack of pancakes paired with sausage or bacon. Cost is $5. Proceeds will benefit the Gra-mar cheerleaders.

Rose Park Magnet Middle School is up for quite an honor; the school is one of three middle schools in Tennessee in the running for the second annual SCORE Prize. Winners will be announced Monday, Oct. 8, at the Ryman Auditorium. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.



The award recognizes one school at each tier, as well as one school district that have shown dramatic improvements in student achievement. If selected, Rose Park will receive $10,000.

Students at Croft Middle School stepped back in time to celebrate Harvest Days at the Nashville Zoo. This marked the 10th year the school has participated in the celebration that takes visitors back in time.

The actors and singers who entertained the large crowd of visitors at the Croft House included Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Tea Party Girls, The Boys from Bull Run, The Croft Sisters, and many more. Student Anne D. celebrated women’s right to vote with a special song about the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

In a countdown to the 2012 Presidential Race, Gra-Mar Middle School students are learning by doing! The students will participate in a special voting assembly Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m. State Representative Brenda Gilmore and State Senator Joe Haynes will serve as guest speakers. Students will participate in debates and mock electoral voting and winners will be selected for President and Mock Electoral Vote.

The Nashville Public Library Foundation invites all Davidson County High School students (ages 13-18) to submit a very short story in honor of the 2012 Nashville Public Library Literary Award recipient, Margaret Atwood.



About the contest

Students are asked to write an original and creative story of no less than 5 and no more than 10 sentences inspired by Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or this photo:

Three finalists and the winner will be honored at the Literary Award Public Reading on October 27. One winner will receive the grand prize of a Kindle and $50 Amazon gift card. Finalist stories will be published on the Nashville Public Library Foundation website.

 View complete rules and entry guidelines.



Entries will be accepted

September 20 – October 4, 2012



Entries may be submitted online

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P6JNHSF

OR

Mail one printed copy of submission to:

Nashville Public Library Foundation

Essay Contest

615 Church Street

Nashville, TN 37219

Handwritten entries will not be considered. Finalists will be notified beforehand. Winners will be announced at the NPLF Literary Award Public Reading on Saturday, October 27. Contact Stephanie.Koehler@nplf.org with questions.

Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science held a science carnival after school at Head Middle Magnet Friday, Sept. 7. Students enjoyed making their own ice cream, exploring optical illusions, and discovering the identity of “mystery” substances to name a few activities. A special thank you to Vanderbilt for sponsoring this interactive event!

McMurray Middle School's eighth grade students are getting "Money Smart!" The school has been chosen to participate in FDIC's Money Smart for Young Adults. Megan Polk, FDIC Supervisory Examiner, is teaching the class along with two of McMurray's teachers, Anne Marie Desruisseau and Beth Haggard.  This program is based on the award-winning Money Smart adult financial education curriculum that assists graduates with money management practices and financial confidence.  It is also aligned with educational standards for all 50 states.

The students at McMurray will learn the basics of handling their money and finances, including how to create positive relationships with financial institutions. This will equip them in their formative years with the basics of financial education and can give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to manage their finances once they enter the real world.

Money Smart for Young Adults consists of eight instructor-led modules. The materials also include an optional computer-based scenario that allows students to complete realistic exercises based on each module.

Tennessee Titan Sen'Derrick Marks made a surprise appearance at DuPont Tyler Middle School this week for the team's first official Titans Tuesday! The defensive tackle talked to the students about the importance of getting an education and setting goals.

If you haven't checked out Nashville's Limitless Library lately, you should! The site now boasts the system's catchy, new slogan "The future is in your hands, make it limitless," penned by Rose Park student Sundus C. Sundus is an avid Limitless Libraries user.



Limitless Libraries is a partnership between Nashville Public Libraries and MNPS, launched in 2009 under the direction of Mayor Karl Dean. Thousands of students in all Metro Schools use the system daily to access online literature, DVDs, CDs, and more.

Middle school students are getting a little extra support this year, and it comes in the form of a new grading philosophy. The district adopted a new grading policy that is encourages grading for learning. But what exactly does that mean? 

The key changes are:

• Grades reflect subject comprehension.


• Grades are not just based on traditional tests – teachers are expected to use multiple forms of assessment such as projects, presentations, portfolios, etc. Of course, tests are still given, but students are now able to demonstrate comprehension through various assessment methods.


• No more zeros! Students who do not turn in homework will be given additional opportunities to complete the assignment and show mastery. 


• Extra credit is no longer given.

Want to see the new grading at work in DuPont Hadley Middle? Check out this story by News Channel 5 reporter Aundrea Cline-Thomas.

Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School held their inaugural Parent & Scholar Open House last night, Aug. 23. Dr. Christian Sawyer, principal pictured below with students, presented the new school vision to a huge crowd of parents. Families were able to capture the STEM culture of Bailey STEM through a demonstration by the full-time scientist Dr. McKissic, introduction of the teachers by the Bulldog cheerleaders, and a beautifully sung version of the mission statement performed by the Diversity Choir.

Mariachi offered at Wright Middle, Glencliff High as part of the Music Makes Us education program

Music education in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is becoming even richer this year with the launch of a mariachi program at Wright Middle and Glencliff High Schools as part of the Music Makes Us music education project. Alan Lambert, an experienced mariachi educator, is the mariachi program director.



"Mariachi music is what gives Mexico and its people its identity. It is vibrant and passionate like no other music in the world. The young and old love it just the same and feel so proud to be able to express themselves in this great country that gives them the opportunity to learn the music in the schools," said Grammy-winning mariachi artist Jose Hernandez. "I have seen it change lives and look forward to seeing this genre blossom in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools under the leadership of Alan Lambert who is well-known for developing quality mariachi programs in Texas."



Lambert brings his passion for music and education to Metro Schools from the Grand Prairie (Texas) Independent School District where he was the director of the district’s mariachi program for grades 6-12. Under his leadership, the district’s mariachi program expanded from two to 11 campuses and his students performed at venues ranging from school auditoriums and nursing homes to the Texas State Fair and Cowboy Stadium.



“I am excited about the mariachi program in Metro Schools. Our mariachi students will make wonderful music, but I expect much more than that. I have high standards for their academic success and community service,” Lambert said. “I want students to earn top honors at music competitions and to continue their educations after high school graduation.” 



Music Makes Us: The Nashville Music Education Project is a public/private partnership among Metro Schools, Mayor Karl Dean,The Recording Academy and music industry leaders in Nashville. The initiative is moving Metro Schools beyond a traditional performance-based music curriculum to an expanded curriculum that includes diverse music genres. The vision is for music instruction that is sequential, high quality and relevant to the learning interests and needs of pre-K-12 students.



“Music Makes Us is very fortunate indeed to have a music educator the caliber of Alan Lambert offering a mariachi program at Glencliff and Wright,” said Nancy Shapiro, senior vice president with The Recording Academy. “It is the first of many new classes that will make music education in Music City the best in the nation. We welcome Mr. Lambert and thank him for sharing mariachi with our students. It will be an enriching and life-changing experience for them.”



An El Paso native, Lambert started and led the first All-Region Mariachi program in North Texas sanctioned by the Texas Music Education Association. His students’ musical excellence was noted in performances at the Mexican consulate and the Latino Cultural Center.



Lambert served as a volunteer, board member and eventually a teacher for the non-profit Creative Planet School of the Arts in California before joining the faculty at Wilson High School in East Los Angeles as a special education teacher. Previously, he had a career in marketing, fundraising and operations in the United States and Germany working with AT&T and the New York and Brooklyn Philharmonics.



Lambert received a bachelor’s degree in music from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in music from New Mexico State University. He holds a music education certificate from California State University and an educational leadership and principal certificate from the University of Texas.



The Metro Schools mariachi program was introduced in May with concert performances from Jose Hernandez and from the Veterans Juvenil de America Mariachi. Mariachi is a term used to describe a group of strolling musicians performing a style of Mexican music, a member of such a band and their music.



Wright Middle School is a zoned middle school at 180 McCall Street off Nolensville Road. Nearby Glencliff High School is also a zoned school at 160 Antioch Pike.



Music Makes Us is under the overall direction of Jay Steele, associate superintendent of high schools. The staff also includes Laurie Schell, director; Dr. Nola Jones, music coordinator; and long-time Metro Schools educator Carol Crittenden.

Apollo Middle School received a helping hand from more than 40 volunteers from Nashville Tools For Schools. Nashville Tools for Schools and community members were on hand to build and install desks for the school’s auditorium.



Nashville Tools For Schools (“NTFS”), in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and members of our community, exists to provide the best possible learning environment for our young people and to demonstrate the community’s dedication to our educational system. We want to give each and every student in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools the best education possible. Nashville Tools For Schools is committed to small maintenance and construction projects within our public schools, projects such as building desks or installing shelving, projects which empower our schools children and protect our schools resources.



Much more information is available on the Nashville Tools for Schools website.

They're a piece of every child's imagination, and several of our Metro students learned to build and control them this summer at Robocamp 2012. But no need to fear: these robots are built for peace.



Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School held RoboCamp July 9-13. Teachers from Bailey, Litton Middle School and Stratford STEM High School led rising 5th-7th graders through the process of building a robotic arm to use in a competition at the end of the week. The students also learned to solder on a circuit board for an electronic siren. A trip to the Nissan factory in Smyrna provided students the opportunity to see robots in action. The students stopped at Home Depot on the way back to school for an “Inventor’s Tour” of the Home Depot in East Nashville where they explored alternative uses for different materials in the store. The competition on Friday put the students’ robotic arms to the test as they competed as teams and individuals.



Thanks to all the educators who made this free summer camp possible and to all the campers who had an amazing time building robots!

The Middle Tennessee Reading Association is the local council affiliate of the Tennessee Reading Association. Several Metro School teachers hold positions with the association.

• Angel Viera, literacy coach at J.E. Moss Elementary, has been named the 2012-2013 President-Elect of the Tennessee Reading Association.


• Melanie Collins, teacher at Bordeaux Enhanced Option Elementary, assumed the office of Vice President of the Tennessee Reading Association for the 2012-2013 school term. Collins will become President-Elect during the 2013-2014 school year. She is also serving as Middle Tennessee Reading Association treasurer.


• Sandra Smith-Hitt, teacher at Robert Churchwell Elementary, will serve as the 2012-2013 Treasurer of the Tennessee Reading Association.


• Anita Armstrong, literacy coach at Cole Elementary, is serving Tennessee Reading Association as the 2012-2013 Recording Secretary.


• Holly Perez, teacher at Donelson Middle School, is the president of Middle Tennessee Reading Association for 2012-2013.


• Jana Crosby is the new state coordinator for the Tennessee Reading Association charged with overseeing and planning many activities for our association.


• Eileen Steeples of Robert Churchwell is serving as membership chair for Middle Tennessee Reading Association.

When I arrived at the newly renovated Isaac Litton Middle School, principal Tracy Bruno was fleeing the spray of a lawn sprinkler deployed to help the parched and newly planted landscaping. The grass may not have been prepared for the drought, but the school is prepared for more students and a higher profile in its East Nashville neighborhood.



“We are the epitome of a neighborhood school, right here in the middle of all these houses,” Bruno told me. And it’s true. Litton sits nestled between small, residential streets like Winding Way and Littonwood Drive right off Gallatin Pike.



The renovations that have taken place over the last year and a half have transformed the school into a building that looks practically new – and that’s because a lot of it is. The main office has been expanded. The library has a massive bank of new windows opening to the front lawn. The cafeteria is brand new and full of natural light. And the gym – once completely disconnected from the main building – has now been built out with new entrances, a new concession stand, and a host of new classrooms underneath it for fifth grade and related arts classes.

Click "Read more" for photos and the full story of Litton's neighborhood transformation.

We say it often: it is very important for schools to have your correct address and phone number.



How important? This important:



When report cards were mailed home after school ended a few weeks back, nearly all of them arrived on time and at the right house. But more than 2,700 were sent back because of incorrect addresses.

How to Pick Up Your Report Card

Those families who have not yet received report cards can pick them up at their school. Parents must bring proof of residence with them so school staff can verify who you are and also correct your address in their records.



Any report cards not picked up by July 13 will be sent to Central Office (2601 Bransford Avenue).



Your school will soon be in contact with you about this.



Oh, and while we have your attention, why not give your school a call to update your address and telephone number?

Expect a few phone calls from us this summer. When you answer there will be the familiar recorded greeting “Good evening, Metro Schools families.” What comes after may determine whether or not your child can attend school next year.



When school starts Wed., August 1, 2012, any student entering the seventh grade must have an updated Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing a recent tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster and verification of immunity to varicella (chicken pox). Without it, students will not be allowed to attend school.



That’s why we’re urging everyone to take care of these requirements now, not later. Have your child vaccinated and give the updated certificate to your school before summer break starts. It’s easier for everyone and takes another item off your summer to-do list.



The Metro Public Health Department offers immunizations required for school each Monday through Friday at its three Health Centers. Health officials emphasize that children with insurance coverage should visit their own healthcare provider for these shots, along with an added benefit of getting an annual well child physical exam. Tell your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and church groups. Send it to your neighborhood list-serv. Announce it at your next PTA meeting. It’s important information for the entire community.



Go to your family doctor or one of the three Public Health Centers to make arrangements for your child to receive these immunizations. Then when the phone rings with our friendly reminder, you can go on with your evening. For full information about required immunizations and where you can get them, call your child’s healthcare provider or visit the Metro Public Health Department website: http://health.nashville.gov/Immunizations.htm

You may have heard a lot about Common Core Standards recently. They represent a huge shift in how subjects are taught across all grades. Here in Metro Schools we started implementing Common Core in middle schools some time ago, and now some of those first educators to use the curriculum will help train others in our district.



The Houghton Mifflin Lead and Learn Organization, led by nationally recognized Doug Reeves, has approved 25 MNPS educators as certified trainers for middle school Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

SEE a list of the certified trainers in Metro Schools.

These trainers have gone through a rigorous preparation process, concluding with a juried presentation evaluated by Lead and Learn consultants according to a challenging performance rubric. These 25 educators are now licensed to train middle school English language arts and mathematics educators within Metro Schools using the exclusive research based materials developed by the Reeves' organization, and will have access to all future materials, research, and resources to use with our educators in MNPS.



This is not only a huge honor for these teachers, but a big boost to the implementation of Common Core in MNPS. We now have many more in-house resources for training, information, and research in this major shift in educational curriculum. Great work!

Made weekend plans yet? Don't bother! We know what you'll be doing.



Grammy nominated mariachi star José Hernàndez is giving a FREE performance at Glencliff High School this Friday night! He'll be joined by the Veterans Juvenil de America Mariachi Band from Rio Grande City, Texas.



It's all a fundraiser for the Music Makes Us Mariachi program kicking off next year. This new program will bring middle and high school students into the world of mariachi, practicing and performing in school ensembles. Donations will be accepted at this free concert event.



This is a wonderful opportunity to not only enjoy a free concert, but to support a budding music program that could change the lives of young students. Don't miss it!!

 

 

 

 

After a nationwide search for outstanding educators, Metro Nashville Public Schools Innovation Cluster has selected school principals, called iLeaders. Four are new to their schools and six are veterans; all are charged with leading dramatic improvement at Innovation Cluster schools.

• Bailey STEM Magnet Middle - Dr. Christian Sawyer (New)


• Buena Vista Enhanced Option Elementary - Michelle McVicker (New)


• Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary - Jahi Rohrer (New)


• John Early Museum Magnet Middle - Risè Pope (New)


• Napier Enhanced Option Elementary - Dr. Ronald Powe (Returning)


• Gra-Mar Middle - Dr. Antoinette Williams (Returning)


• Margaret Allen Middle - Dr. Dorothy Gunn (Returning)


• Cameron Middle - Chris Hames (Returning)


• Jere Baxter Middle - Dr. Corey Walker (Returning)


• Brick Church Middle - Chirelle Jefferson (Returning)

Learn more about the Innovation Cluster on its website.

What are iLeaders?

“iLeaders are an elite group of educators committed to transforming Innovation Cluster schools into exceptional schools,” said Alan Coverstone, director of Innovation Schools. “These iLeaders will analyze data and implement strategies to improve student achievement at each school. We want rapid results and will work with teachers, students, parents and the community to achieve them.”

Who are our new iLeaders?

McVicker is a product of Metro Schools as a member of the first graduating class of Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School. She began her teaching career at Norman Binkley Elementary and then moved to Bordeaux Elementary where she taught sixth grade until becoming the outreach manager for Nashville Public Television. In 2004, she joined Rutherford County Schools as school technology specialist. In 2007, she became an assistant principal in Murfreesboro City Schools, splitting her time between Hobgood Elementary: A NASA Explorer School and The Discovery School. During her tenure, both schools have been recognized for student achievement. Hobgood is 13th in the state and second in Middle Tennessee for improving student achievement in Education Consumers Foundation rankings.



McVicker earned an associate’s degree from Columbia State Community College and a bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb University, both in elementary education. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and the Ed. S. from Tennessee Technological University.



Rohrer has five years’ experience in school leadership in New York, the British West Indies, and Washington, D.C. He joined DC Prep in 2010 as an instructional coach and became executive principal of the school’s Benning Elementary Campus in 2011. Previously, he was regional director of Potomac Lighthouse Public Charter School, also in Washington. In the British West Indies, he was the principal of the Teacher Gloria Omololu Institute. He began his career as a Teach For America Corps member in New York where he was a semi-finalist for the New York Sue Lehmann Award for teaching effectiveness. He has four years of elementary teaching experience.



Rohrer holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, a master’s degree in elementary education from Pace University, and has completed the Principal Leadership Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he also earned the M.Ed. He is the first African-American to win the overall title at the United State Alpine Skiing Junior Olympic Championship and was on the U.S. Olympic Development Ski Team.



Sawyer returns to Metro Schools from Louisiana where he worked to integrate 21st century learning technology into classrooms. He taught at Hillsboro High School and served as "Teacher in Residence" at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education, where he taught in the Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools program. He has been an instructor of Geopolitics at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, and an Atlantik-Bruecke Fellow studying German-American relations with the Tennessee Department of Education. He was named 2006 National Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the National Council for the Social Studies and the 2006 Tennessee Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year. In 2008, he received both the Tennessee Distinguished Educator honor and Nashville’s "Educator Award" from the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities.



He has written and edited curriculum, including books on Human Geography. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the honors program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

Learn more about the Office of Innovation.

Metro Nashville’s Innovation Cluster schools are “priority” schools in the bottom 5 percent of Tennessee’s schools based on proficiency rates in math, reading, and science. Under the new statewide accountability system, these schools must improve student achievement at twice the rate of the rest of the district to remain under district governance.

It’s not a science fair. It’s a STEM Fair, the first of its kind in our city, and it’s changing the face of Nashville.



Metro Nashville Public School students compete against one another individually and in teams using videos, presentations, and on-site demonstrations to see which of their projects has the best potential to improve the city.



Don’t come expecting to find science fair stand-bys like plaster volcanoes and three-panel display boards. The Metro Schools STEM Competition is a district-wide high school event. Students have worked with Nashville’s top STEM professionals to share their ideas, investigations and recommendations to “Change the Face of Nashville.” At the competition, individuals and teams will use videos, presentations, and on-site demonstrations to showcase the project with the best potential to improve the city in any of five categories: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, STEM Career.

Stratford STEM Magnet High School will host this inaugural competition on May 16.



More information about registering to compete and other contest details can be found here. The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Bottle rockets may be child’s play to some, but to NASA and students at Bailey Middle Magnet, Cora Howe Middle and Wright Middle schools, they are serious business. The space agency has awarded its 2012 Educational Engagement Award to a combined team of Vanderbilt University engineering and education students for their work with about 500 students in the three Metro schools.



Nine mechanical engineering students in the Aerospace Club worked with six students in Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development to develop lesson plans for the middle schoolers. The Peabody students teach in Metro Schools as part of their teacher licensure requirements.



Together, the Vanderbilt students taught teams of Metro students scientific and engineering concepts and then worked to design, construct and launch the rockets. Metro students calculated their rockets’ altitudes based on the rockets’ time aloft and the group from each school with the highest-flying rocket earned a visit to Vanderbilt, including a tour of engineering laboratories, workshops, project demonstrations and lunch.



Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School is part of a K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) continuum that includes Hattie Cotton STEM Magnet Elementary, Isaac Litton Middle, and Stratford STEM Magnet High School.



This post is based on an online article “Engineering, Peabody effort lands NASA STEM outreach award” www.news.vanderbilt.edu. Posted with appreciation to Brenda Ellis and Vanderbilt University.

Congratulations to two Croft Middle School eighth grade language arts students for winning the Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Associations Essay contest!



Zoe M. and Naba A. both received one hundred dollars for their essays on Tennessee Law Enforcement, with both students writing in the subject on “Why I will say No to Alcohol and Drugs.” Zoe and Naba were two among six Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County student winners. Croft Middle Principal Juana Grandberry surprised to the students with their checks during the morning announcements live on WCMS television broadcast.

Mckissack Middle School’s Oasis Program has been awarded the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award in the category of "Civic Volunteer Group Award". The school has approximately 65 students who participate in the program that aims to teach life skills, increase healthy behaviors, and create a sense of purpose in each teen through its issue-based, skill-building curriculum. The program, which also includes a significant volunteer component, is now in its 15th year.

This year, Mckissack students have contributed more than 1,000 hours of service to a variety of Nashville nonprofits, civic organizations, and schools. The students addressed many issues in the community through service such as feeding the homeless, boxing food and care packages for the needy, making cards for law enforcement officers, and much more. Congratulations Mckissack Oasis Program Students!

The band program at McKissack Middle School will host its inaugural Jazz Festival this Thursday, April 12, at 6 p.m., in the school auditorium.

Being outdoors in Tennessee in the spring is unbeatable, but current and future middle school students and their families stepped inside Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School on Saturday, March 24, for the second annual Youth Safety Summit.

Rodger Dinwiddie, Nashville’s nationally known expert on preventing bullying, set the tone for the day with an informative, interactive keynote address that earned high marks from families in attendance.

Breakout sessions built on this year’s theme, “Setting the Foundation for Success: Middle School Transition, Myths and Realities.”  Data Coach Marla Smith led a discussion to help parents understand their children’s performance data; Sam Davidson with Cool People Care and Jo An Scalf of Nashville Public Television advised students on smart use of the Internet;  Principal Ron Woodard of Maplewood High School and Drs. Jahangir and Sethi with Vanderbilt University Medical Center discussed preventing youth violence through positive relationships; and Gini Pupo-Walker with Metro Schools moderated a discussion on family and community involvement in schools.

The district’s 12 zoned high schools sent student Ambassadors to the event to share information about their schools and the district’s Academies of Nashville program that prepares students for college and career.

In the final session, a panel of high school juniors and seniors advised middle school students to get involved in school activities and to work hard because “high school begins in middle school and college begins in high school.” The Board of Education event ended with remarks from Board Vice Chair Mark North.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the MNPS Middle School Science and Engineering Fair this year! The year's big winners are posted below.

Students and staff at West End IB World Middle School proudly hosted a group of Tennessee leaders and education reform activists today. SCORE, the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, selected the school as the backdrop of its 2012 Annual Report on the State of Education in Tennessee. In selecting a site to release the annaul report, SCORE noted that West End is one of the highest performing schools in the state:

West End Middle School, where the report release was held, is one of the top performing schools in the state, and has made dramatic gains in narrowing the black-white achievement gap, the Hispanic-white achievement gap, and the economically disadvantaged/non-disadvantaged achievement gap. The school is part of Metro Nashville Public Schools.

SCORE collaboratively supports Tennessee’s work to prepare students for college and the workforce. They are an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan advocacy and research institution, founded by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

A new mentoring program at McKissack Middle aims to help 8th grade females focus on self-esteem, culture and pride, and fulfilling their legacies.  The first three sessions were was conducted by school social workers, Jessica Bell and Cate Westfall, a representative from Conexion Americas, Cecilia Gomez, and a Nashville professional singer, Myshel Wilkins.  The students were inspired by the message given by each guest speaker. The mentoring program will continue through the end of the year, focusing on: Relationship Building, Finances & Budgeting, Sisterhood/Teambuilding Exercises, and Mock Interviews.

Miss Fisk and her royal court recently visited McKissack Middle School. They began the day sharing why they chose to attend Fisk via the schools morning newscast. Next, the group stopped by each 8th grade classroom to share valuable lessons on college, career, and respect for oneself and others. Miss Fisk and her court were escorted to each classroom by McKissackStudent Council President Tatiyana Coleman. 

Mark your calendars! MNPS middle school students will show off their exemplary science projects at the MNPS Middle School Science & Engineering Fair Showcase and Awards Ceremony. The event will be held at Rose Park Math and Science Magnet School, Tuesday, March 20. The showcase begins at 7:30 p.m., with an awards ceremony following at 8 p.m.

Students whose projects received Exemplary ribbons or top placement will be on hand to talk about their work and answer questions. The students receiving Exemplary ribbons will also be recognized during the Awards Ceremony and trophies will be awarded to top projects in each category.

Click through for a full list of students with Exemplary projects.

Apollo Middle School received a Recognition Award at the Tennessee State Special Education Convention, held Feb. 17.  The school was awarded for outstanding efforts with Inclusion in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.  According to Principal Jon Hubble, "We are very proud of our efforts to be a fully inclusive school." 

John Early Museum Magnet Middle School students and their families attended a special workshop at the school in which they learned how to preserve, restore, and care for their family treasures. The event was hosted by Belmont Mansion and Tennessee State Museum and brought local experts to the school to teach the students and their families.

Terrianna H. and her mother Geannette were paired with Candace Adelson, Ph.D., Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles, from the Tennessee State Museum. The mother-daughter duo learned how to preserve a quilt made by Terrianna’s grandmother. They also learned the history of quilting, how her great-grandmother sewed the quilt, what the quilt represented and the life and times of people, such as her great-grandmother, who made and used quilts. 

The Oliver Middle School Wind Ensemble has been chosen to represent Tennessee in a performance at the College Band Directors National Association/National Band Association Southern Division Conference.  This Conference is happening this weekend, Feb. 23-25, at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.  The selection process was via CD recording and resume submission. Oliver was selected over dozens of other ensembles from around the country. The ensemble will perform Saturday morning, Feb. 25, for hundreds of Band Directors from Louisiana, West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.  Congratulations, Oliver!

Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School is hosting a community blood drive. Check out the flyer below for details.

Donald Davis, master storyteller, will be visiting J. T. Moore Middle School Tuesday, Feb. 28. There will be a community event at 7 p.m., in the Moore library. The event is sponsored by the PTO and is free for everyone to enjoy.  

Oliver Middle School has "smashed" its competition and earned one of 20 spots nationwide in the NBC and iTheatrics Smash: Making a Musical program. The network and theatre education company teamed up to create sustainable music theatre programs in public schools. Participating schools will receive training from Broadway master professionals and materials for the schools.

Mylayla S., an 8th grade student at Goodlettsville Middle School, was chosen out of thousands of participants across the country to win the Apangea Math Holiday Math-a-Thon. She will receive a Barnes & Noble e-Reader (color) and a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card to get her library started. Mylayla’s math teacher is Mr. David Brooks. Congratulations!

This is exactly what we mean when we say MNPS is creating a 'College Going Culture' in our schools!



More than 1,000 students and parents came to school on a Saturday to get a head start on preparing for the ACT. Pearl-Cohn High School started hosting these Saturday sessions last semester and brought in 400-600 students every week!



This semester's classes started with the biggest crowd ever, and principal Milton Threadcraft is confident that many students and more will continue to come each Saturday through the end of the year.



These classes are open to all students in Metro schools. Students who attend will get breakfast and be split up into different seminars covering different sections of the test. Even middle school students are welcome to join in if they want to get an early start on their ACT preparations.



Classes start promptly at 7:00 a.m. each Saturday, so don't be late! Dr. Threadcraft told us that students need to come on time and ready to get serious about the ACT. He says that his students at Pearl-Cohn are already seeing results: so far this year more Pearl-Cohn students have scored a 20 or above than all of last year!

ACT Prep Classes

Pearl-Cohn High School

Every Saturday

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.





See hundreds of students in action learning how to score well on the ACT.

WATCH a NewsChannel5 story on Saturday ACT classes!

UPDATE: Litton Middle School will remain at the Dalewood campus for the remainder of the 2011-12 school year. Unexpected delays in the renovations happening at the Litton building mean the school cannot move this month, as was previously expected.



Litton families moved to the Dalewood building more than a year ago while renovations started at their school. The construction process has been delayed, largely due to an unexpectedly high amount  of rain this fall and winter.

The Isaac Litton Lions will be back in their home den this January. The school moved to the Dalewood campus more than a year ago while the Litton building underwent a series of renovations. But the time has come to move back home!



The newly renovated Litton Middle School building will officially open on January 17, 2012. The school was originally scheduled to move over the winter holidays, but an extra-rainy fall delayed construction just a little bit. The move will now happen over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend, with students reporting to the Litton Middle building on January 17.



We're so happy to have the Lions back where they belong, and hope the new renovations just add to their successful school year!



Here is a map of the Isaac Litton Middle School building, opening on January 17, 2012:





View Larger Map

The TSU Aristocrat of Bands made a quick stop at Head Magnet Middle School to help kick off the Fall Festival. The band played several of its hit tunes and had the students on their feet.

December is here and you can't escape those familiar holiday tunes playing in malls, on the radio and TV.

Shake it up this year and escape the old standards by taking in one of the many fine performances by Metro students! Below is a listing of some of the performing arts events happening in Metro Schools in December. If you're looking for the holiday spirit or something a little outside the norm, take your pick and support our young artists!

• December 1 - Nashville School of Arts - Tastes of the Season - 6:00 PM


• December 2-3 - Antioch High School Dance Department presents “Cats in Motion” - 7:00 PM


• December 5 - McKissack Band Concert - 6:30 PM


• December 8 -Jere Baxter Middle School Fall Band Concert - 5:00 PM


• December 8 - Dodson Elementary 3rd Grade PTO Show - 6:00 PM


• December 8 - East Literature Magnet HS Choir Concert - 7:00 PM


• December 8 - NSA Fall Orchestra Concert - 7:00 PM


• December 8 - Hillsboro HS Music Department Concert - 7:00 PM


• December 9 - DuPont Tyler Middle School Band Concert - 7:00 PM


• December 9-10 - Nashville School of Arts Fall Dance Show - 7:00 PM


• December 11 - Creswell Dance Department presents “Nutcracker - All Jazzed Up” - 6:00 PM


• December 12 - Goodlettsville MS Band Concert - 5:30 PM


• December 12 - Joelton MS Holiday Concert - 5:30 PM


• December 15 - Eakin Holiday Program - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Board Member & Sports Fan Mark North

Middle School Sports

Middle School athletics provide after-school opportunities to exercise; hone skills; and build characteristics of teamwork, sacrifice, dedication and perseverance – not to mention a sense of pride, appreciation, and enthusiasm for your school and your classmates.

Fall Sports: Middle school soccer coaching legend David Allen led Meigs to its seventh straight Girls Soccer City Championship. Coach Allen also coaches Hume-Fogg’s Boys Soccer team and was named high school Coach of the Year by The Tennessean a couple of years ago. Congratulations to Coach Allen and the Meigs girls soccer team.

In the other fall sports, Smithson-Craighead enjoyed an undefeated season on its way to the City Championship in Football. Meigs spiked its way to reign as Volleyball City Champions – Can you dig it?

Congratulations to all students, parents and coaches for another successful fall sports season.

Basketball and Wrestling: Winter Sports start next week. You can find a middle school basketball game almost every Tuesday and Thursday until February. I will gather some Wrestling schedules and provide an update next week.

Cheerleading: The next time you attend a middle school sporting event, make sure you notice the athleticism, coordination, and teamwork of some of the hardest working teams in sports – the cheerleaders.

High School Basketball

Last Thursday’s Metro Basketball Jamboree at Hunters Lane reminded me that nothing compares to the sound of a high school gymnasium during basketball season – the buzz of the crowd, the cheerleaders, the ball bouncing on the hardwood …. Walking into a gym on game night just makes me smile. I can’t help it.

Brush with Fame: I recognized one of the basketball referees as former professional wrestler George Gulas, son of famed promoter Nick Gulas and longtime tag team partner of legendary wrestler Tojo Yamamoto. That took me back to my childhood.

Football Playoffs

Pearl-Cohn Firebirds scored on a kickoff return and defeated Harpeth to advance to the state quarterfinals this Friday. The Firebirds travel to CPA for a rematch of a late season barnburner. Go Firebirds!!!

Maplewood Panthers sealed a victory over Liberty Tech with a late-game interception return for a touchdown. The Panthers host White House Friday night in quarterfinal action “amongst the maple trees.”


Pick a team and follow it.



-- Mark North

MNPS: The First Choice for Teamwork

Jessica Oliver of I.T. Creswell Middle Arts Magnet School has been named the News2 Educator of the Week! Jessica was featured on the evening and morning news. To see what makes her stand out in the classroom, check out the News2 Educator of the Week site.

Oct. 13, Head Middle Magnet School held its annual Egg Drop!

Every Head Magnet student made a container that would not only survive a fall from the top of the gym, but would also hold an egg that would survive the drop as well. Many parents came to watch the vessel their child created be dropped from the top of Head’s gym. The parents wanted to see if the container that carried and hopefully protected the egg survived the fall without breaking or cracking.

1. Cómo motivar a su hijo a ser exitoso
   26 de septiembre - Cane Ridge High School
   29 de septiembre - Glencliff High School
   6:00 P.M.
   
   ¿Quiere motivar a sus hijos a sacar altas calificaciones pero no sabe cómo? ¿Quiere usted mejorar su relación con sus adolescentes? ¡Venga a aprender sobre la autoestima y cómo motivar a los jóvenes a ser exitosos! Todos los padres latinos que tienen hijos en la escuela media/secundaria y la preparatoria (middle /high school) son bienvenidos a este taller en ESPAÑOL. Habrá cuidado de niños mayores de 3 años, refrigerios y una rifa.
   
   


2. Cómo comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo
   3 de octubre - Cane Ridge High School
   6 de octubre - Glencliff High School
   6:00 P.M.
   
   ¿La maestra de su hijo ha pedido una reunión con usted y no sabe qué hacer? ¿Tiene su hijo problemas en la escuela y no sabe con quién hablar? ¡Venga e infórmese con nosotros! Todos los padres latinos que tienen hijos en la escuela media/secundaria y la preparatoria (middle /high school) son bienvenidos a este taller en ESPAÑOL.. Habrá cuidado de niños mayores de 3 años, refrigerios y una rifa.
   
   


3. Prevención de drogas y pandillas (“gangas”)
   10 de octubre - Cane Ridge High School
   13 de octubre - Glencliff High School
   6:00 P.M. 
   
   ¿Discute regularmente con su adolescente? ¿Quiere prevenir que su hijo recurra a las drogas o las pandillas/gangas? Venga e infórmese con nosotros! Todos los padres latinos que tienen hijos en la escuela media/secundaria y la preparatoria (middle /high school) son bienvenidos a este taller en ESPAÑOL. Habrá cuidado de niños mayores de 3 años, refrigerios y una rifa.
   
   


4. Derechos y responsabilidades de los padres en las escuelas
   24 de octubre - Cane Ridge High School
   27 de octubre - Glencliff High School
   6:00 P.M.
   Glencliff High School, 160 Antioch Pike, Nashville
   
   ¿Quiere saber sobre sus derechos como padre de familia en las escuelas? ¿Ha escuchado sobre nuevas escuelas en su barrio y quiere saber más detalles ? Venga e infórmese con nosotros! Todos los padres latinos que tienen hijos en la escuela media/secundaria y la preparatoria (middle /high school) son bienvenidos a este taller en ESPAÑOL. Habrá cuidado de niños mayores de 3 años, refrigerios y una rifa.
   
   


5. Preparación para la universidad /Ayuda financiera
   31 de octubre - Cane Ridge High School
   3 de noviembre - Glencliff High School
   6:00 P.M.
   Glencliff High School, 160 Antioch Pike, Nashville
   
   ¿Quiere que su hijo vaya a la universidad? ¿Quiere aprender sobre la ayuda financiera para la universidad aun para estudiantes indocumentados? Venga e infórmese con nosotros! Todos los padres latinos que tienen hijos en la escuela media/secundaria y la preparatoria (middle /high school) son bienvenidos a este taller en ESPAÑOL. Habrá cuidado de niños mayores de 3 años, refrigerios y una rifa.

If you're not hard at work with Hands on Nashville Day, take the kids down to the Parthenon for Celebrity Storytelling!

Each Saturday morning a different local celeb will read a 20 minute story of Greek Mythology at the feet of the golden statue of Athena in the main room of the Parthenon. Following the reading, a Parthenon intern will offer an activity to enhance the reading, as recommended by the National Reading Panel.

Here's the best part: It's 100% free and families who attend can stay and enjoy the Parthenon afterward!

This week's celebs are Woody & Jim from 107.5 The River. Upcoming stars include news anchor Demetria Kalodimos, the Nashville Symphony's Giancarlo Guerrero and country singer Ketch Secor.

The program will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. from now until November 12. Full details in the flier below.

Wow, talk about a big response - Hands on Nashville Day has set a new record with more tha 1,600 people already signed up to help beautify Metro Schools!



The 20th annual Hands on Nashville Day is this Saturday, September 24, at 54 different schools. Volunteers will plant, paint, repair, rake, dig, and mulch until the schools look brand new inside and out. All of this volunteer labor is estimated to make a $145,000 economic impact.



To make it all happen, the Department of Maintenance and Operations has prepared:

 

• 1,400 gallons of paint


• 1,700 paint brushes


• 504 rolls of tape


• 380 plastic drop cloths


• 400 roller covers and roller frames


• 440-4 ft wood paint handles


• 432-5 gallon buckets


• 884-1 gallon pails


• 8 bush / limb cutters


• 450 yards of mulch


• 65 wheelbarrows


• 100 rakes


• 80 shovels


• 35 hedge trimmers

It's not too late to sign up, either. Head over to the Hands on Nashville website to register and get ready to work on Saturday!



Volunteers will be rewarded with the CMT One Country Celebration at 3rd & Lindsley at noon. There's really no reason to not sign up!

 

If you are the parent of a middle school student this year, you've probably already heard about the changes made to your child's school day.

Middle schools have adopted a form of block scheduling, which allows for extended instructional time in the core subjects of reading and mathematics. Students will receive instruction in those two subjects every day, with science and social studies offered on alternating days.

This new schedule also builds in an hour of additional instructional time - in the form of remediation or enrichment - for students who could benefit.

Full details of this schedule at the link.

This fall, Jere Baxter Middle School will begin the transition into a teacher-led school. Dr. Corey Walker will serve as interim principal in the first year. To learn more about what this means for Jere Baxter, check out the video  with Associate Superintendent of Middle Schools Dr. Lora Hall.

Friday, June 17, incoming 5th graders at John F. Kennedy Middle School will "graduuate" from the inaugural “Rising Star” Summer Camp.



The program is designed to make their transition from elementary to middle school as smooth as possible and a rewarding experience.  The camp focused on skills such as: Math, Language Arts, Reading, Science, Computer, Social Development, Time Management, and Goal Setting.  The camp was be led by school administrators several fifth grade teachers.  One of the school counselors also led a session on character education skills.

In 2009, Rose Park Math and Science Magnet Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon School for continued growth and success in student achievement. But what did the school do to earn such a prestigious honor? And what are they doing to ensure excellence this year, and for all years to come? Check out the video for a sneak peak inside Rose Park.

Throughout the week of Nov. 15, students at Croft Middle Design Center learned first hand the importance of college and selecting the right career. Students heard from a variety of local businessmen and women, including School Board Vice-Chair Mark North! Check out the video.