Tennessee Reward School - IBWA

As a result of the Memphis City Schools student performance on the 2012 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests over the past three years, 20 schools have been named to the state’s 2011-2012 Reward Schools list, the most of any other district across the state.

The 2011-2012 Reward Schools made impressive accomplishments during a year when Tennessee saw unprecedented gains on the statewide Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). 

Congratulations to Principal Sandra Johnson, faculty and students at  Ida B. Wells Academy for making the 2011-2012 Rewards Schools list. 

2011-2012 Prestige Honorees

A Prestige Honoree is a teacher chosen by other teachers for the exemplary quality of their contributions to teaching and learning. These characteristics of effective teachers are illustrated in Our Teacher Credo.

Respected teachers at 134 schools in the Memphis City Schools district will be honored on Tuesday, September 11, during the "Prestige Awards," an event recognizing teachers who are valued and voted upon by other teachers. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Memphis Botanical Gardens, 750 Cherry Road. During the ceremony, each honoree will receive a certificate of recognition and a $100 check � the monetary awards are funded by the Memphis City Schools Foundation.

Congratulations to our 2011-2012 Prestige Honorees!

Cathy Jusits Shares Science Lesson at Humes Academy

Cathy Justis from the Wolf River Conservancy was invited out to Humes Innovative.  Cathy shared science lesson with the students that included animals and plants that live around the Wolf River. The Wolf River runs just blocks from our school. 

The students recognized the differences and similarities between animals and humans.  Some similarities and differences they referenced were the skeletal systems.  The students got a chance to pet the animals as well as learn about them. 

 

To view more photos click here.

Martin Luther King Transition Center

MLK Uses Tragedy to Teach Empathy

  

MLK Academy is using the tragic shooting of 17 year old Trayvon Martin, a young man from Florida who was shot while walking home from a convenience store. The shooting has sparked a strong response from the public, and MLK faculty and staff are responding as well by using this event to educate themselves and their students. Students will be writing letters to the family of Trayvon Martin. The letters are intended to bring comfort during this difficult time. Students are encouraged to write the letters from their own perspective in terms of what they would want their own parents to be told if they ever found themselves in a similar situation. This lesson will be integrated into the English class. In addition to teaching proper letter writing skills and grammar, the letters are intended to teach the students empathy toward others.

The staff also has invited Dr. Peggy Russell, from the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team at City Hall to share statistics on gun violence among youth ages 14-24 throughout the City of Memphis. This will be a mutual exchange of ideas, as Dr. Russell plans to tap into the knowledge the staff at MLK has regarding the age group with which they work. Dr. Russell is specifically seeking perspectives on what it would take to reduce gun violence throughout the city. Stay tuned for more updates on the outcome of this meeting!

Southwest Prep Academy

The following students served as hostesses for the Mayor's State of the City Address: 

Arnesia Banks, Kelsey Williams, Jasmine Tuggle. Trinies Bobo, Khadeeja Waller, Tierra Johnson, and Destiny Taylor .

Adolescent Parenting Program

MCS CONNECT Group Mentoring Series

“Achieving Academic Success Through Self Assessment  and Positive Thinking”

Curriculum Integration Workshops at the Adolescent Parenting Program

This school year, we decided to implement a series of group mentoring sessions intended to provide an opportunity for teen parents (participating in the MCS CONNECT mentoring program at Adolescent Parenting) to enhance their academic and personal skills through self examination and assessment, reading, critiquing and journaling.  These sessions focus on providing participants with strategies for setting academic and personal career goals for success. The students and mentors engage in discussions and activities pertaining to classroom achievement, personal conduct, career aspirations and preparation and other pertinent issues that affect their academic and personal successes, after becoming a teen parent.  They learn life skills for self motivation and gratification, through reading and analysis of situations.  Additionally, they learn to journal their feelings, experiences, concerns and challenges.  Their mentors share this experience with them and have follow up discussions during individual mentoring sessions. Summer Owens, CONNECT mentor and author of “Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother” facilitates each session using “ Life After Birth….” curriculum.  The focus of these sessions include topics such as, “Who Am I?”, “Friends”, “How Do I Move on After a Mistake?”, and “Fulfilling Goals”.

Martin Luther King Transition Center

2012 Career Expo

The 2012 Career Expo, sponsored by the Memphis City School Division of Careers and Technology, was a huge success. Every high school in the district was represented and was provided the opportunity to explore post-secondary options. Students wore their best clothes and met with college recruiters and military recruiters. MLK was represented at this event, as well. The Professional School Counselor and teachers spent weeks prior to the Career Expo explaining the importance of obtaining information from recruiters and taking advantage of opportunities where multiple recruiters are in one location. The trip was chaperoned by Ms. Christie Jones and Dr. Jeffrey Taylor. The students did their job by taking full advantage of the event and speaking with variety of recruiters present. Recruiters represented colleges and universities throughout the Mid South and beyond. Military recruiters were also present. Other agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, representatives from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), ACT, and the College Board were present, as well. The students returned to MLK with bags full of information. We would like to thank Ms. Willie Slate and the Division of Careers and Technology for providing this wonderful opportunity!

Martin Luther King Transition Center

Breakfast with Local Church 

Saturday, January 28, 2012, ten students and their parents from MLK Academy had breakfast at the Marriott East with Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. The students in attendance included: Cadarius Head, Jordan Hardaway, Jamarius Strickland, Jamal Banks, Jacquay Dunlap, Jarvis Harris, and Antony Harris. Also in attendance were Casie Jones, Principal C. R. Daniel, Ron Davis, and Jeffrey Taylor. The invitation came from Mr. Melvin Burgess II. Everyone ate well and good information about life and good living was given. We thank you Mr. Burgess for once again thinking of MLK Academy. The food and information hit the spot!

Martin Luther King Transition Center

An Author is Born

Dr. Helen Harper, Assistant Principal of Westwood High School and mother of our own Ms. Yuselphia Thornton, is now an accomplished author. Her book, Tick-Tock: No Time to Lose, was recently released by Author House. This review will not divulge information about the content of the book, except for to say it is an excellent book that gives you a detailed account of the experiences transplant patients face. The book describes multiple miracles. It is easy to read and extremely interesting. Dr. Harper has conducted multiple book reviews, most recently with the South Memphis Neighborhood Outreach Ministry at New Zion M. B. Church. If you are interested in inviting Dr. Harper to speak with your group or if you are interested in ordering a copy of her book, you may contact her daughter, Ms. Yuselphia Thornton, at MLK Academy. You can also email Dr. Harper at helharp2@yahoo.com .

Hope Academy

HOPE Academy chose “Walking in Memphis”  as their theme for this year’s ThinkShow.  Mrs. Cumming’s English classes created glogsters, poems, posters, and drawings with the same theme.  Ms. Lewis’s math classes created 3-D posters that graphed the population of Memphis over several decades. Ms. Bonds’ students selected and researched using the Internet things about Memphis that they enjoyed most; they creatively displayed various “Hot Spots” of this great city as small posters using word applications.

The teens were very proud of their finished products and glad to see the efforts of their work displayed for others to view and judge. Throughout the Think Show, over 40 people including Juvenile Court employees and MCS’ Division of Alternative and Charter school personnel marveled at the wonderful work of the students.  

Mr. Michael Smith, the proud Program Administrator at HOPE Academy , contributed the success of “Walking in Memphis” to his TEAM HOPE and students.  Smith stated, “We outdo ourselves each year. We have a smorgasbord of talented and artistic young people.”  UP WITH HOPE!

Northwest Prep Academy

On February 15, 2012, Northwest Prep Academy’s honor students were treated to a viewing of the movie Red Tails as a reward for their academic achievement. Ms. Brisco, Ms. Herenton, and Mrs. Wyatt served as chaperones.  In addition to the movie, a barbeque luncheon was provided.  To coincide with the movie viewing, the entire student body celebrated Black history month with a program dedicated to the courageous acts and achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen, for which the movie Red Tails was based. Our speaker was Pastor Tony Wade, President of the Alcy-Ball Community Action Organization. His message was motivating and uplifting.

The Student Government Association hosted a voter registration drive for students 18 years of age and older during the 2012 Think Show.

Northwest Prep Academy

Golden Apple Awards

Congratulations to Mr. Bobby Towns/caseworker at Northwest Prep Academy for being the winner in the Education Support Category "My Favorite Educator Golden Apple Awards."

This event was the kick-off to American Education Week, November 13-19.  The purpose of this activity was to provide students an opportunity to improve their writing skills and give voice to the unique qualities of public school educators.

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Congratulations to Preston King and Mr. Allan Watson from Adolescent Parenting and Jamaica Pryor Burnett and Toria Brown from Ida B. Wells Academy who were finalists in the My Favorite Educator Golden Apple Awards.

Hollywood Success Academy

A Cozy Christmas Reading

On Monday, December 12, 2011, employees from Cummings visited Hollywood Success Academy. Representatives Linda Mosby-Brooks, Wendel Coleman, Clarence Carr, James Wall and Raiford Lomax got students into the holiday spirit by reading the Christmas tale “The New Secrets of Saint Nicholas” authored by Ina Taffet. This Christmas tale helped the students to learn the true meaning of kindness through the Christmas spirit. The tale showed that the spirit of kindness can be given through love, helping others in need, and being nice. Cummings proceeded in showing the children the true meaning of kindness and Christmas spirit through leading by example. The Cummings staff spread Christmas cheer to the students not only by reading, but also giving them gifts. Although candy filled canes were given to the students to warm their hearts, clothing such as hats, pants, shirts, and coats were given to the students to keep them cozy during this winter season. Even students that normally would not have a good day seemed very grateful and refreshed because of the “holiday elves” from Cummings. The students of Hollywood Success Academy were very appreciative to the Cummings staff and left with a new perspective on kindness and the Christmas spirit.

Northwest Prep Academy

The last few weeks have been busy ones at Northwest Prep. In October, Alex Eilers, a Pink Palace educational researcher spoke to the Social Studies students about her upcoming research expedition to Antarctica. The students were able to gain hands on experiences by trying on the cold-weather clothes and touch the research equipment.

The seniors’ journey to Huntsville, AL to visit the Space Institute and to tour Alabama A&M was a huge success.  Students were given a tour of the school and allowed a opportunity to complete applications during the visit.  

The Men of Distinction gathered food baskets to give to the Union Mission for the Thanksgiving season and continued their generosity during Christmas by sponsoring Toys for Tots with MIFA. The Men of Distinction also welcomed a guest speaker, Tony Wade who inspired the men to become better citizens and encourage other people. The men appeared to react positively to his message and encouragement.

The last nine weeks have been busy with testing, senior activities and other extra-curricular activities but a good time has been had by all.

Adolescent Parenting Program

The Grizzlies Poetry Slam here at The Adolescent Parenting Program was a great experience.  Candace Smith, an eleventh grader, did an excellent job despite the fear of speaking in front of crowds.  When she recited her poem, it was amazing!  The strong emotional interpretation, great eye contact, and the words of the poem all made the delivery exceptional!

The school staff, students and Grizzlies Poetry Slam representatives congratulated her on her performance.  She won first place here at the school.  Now, it was time to compete at the district level.  Candace continued to practice her poem and awaited the big competition to come. 

Northside Innovative Academy

Congratulations to Stacey Taylor, Visual Art teacher, on being accepted to Family Dynamics online Gallery!  Ms. Taylor shared her art with The Kiernan Gallery. Juror Henry Horenstein selected 30 images for display in the main gallery in Lexington, Virginia, and another 40 images for display in the online gallery. Henry Horenstein selected Stacey Taylor’s art for the online gallery.

All selected work will be reproduced in an exhibition catalogue available for purchase from Blurb Books.

To view the selected work, please visit Family Dynamics and click #40.  This was a nationwide submission.

2011 Freedom Award Public Forum

Students at Ida B. Wells Academy and Hollywood Success attended the 2011 Freedom Award Public Forum at Temple of Deliverance COGIC. 







MLK Student Transition Center

Faculty Bonding

MLK faculty are more than just coworkers, we are family. This is evident to all who have ever spent any amount of time at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Transition Academy. The staff know that we have a good thing going and do not take it for granted. One way the staff stay connected is by participating in monthly outings away from school. This gives the staff to get to know each other on another level and talk about things other than PBIS and RtI. It really helps to build a sense of camaraderie and actually helps us to work better as a team where it counts- with the students.

Last year the men held a barbecue cook-off and a pizza baking competition. The men proved to be pretty good cooks. This year it was the ladies turn.  The ladies prepared what has been called International Dinner Day. The menu consisted of panadas, fried turkey, shrimp & cheese grits, Mexican Corn, quiche, shrimp & rice, chicken quesadillas, and creamy pasta bake. The food was delicious and everyone left full and satisfied. The meal ended with birthday cake and ice cream to celebrate birthdays for the month - another tradition at MLK that helps keep the staff close!

The next celebration was our first annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, which will take  place on Friday, January 13, 2012!

MLK Student Transition Center

MLK Seniors Receive scholarships from

Nine students received scholarships from TN Achieves. These scholarships  will be used to assist with tuition and other post-secondary education expenses. MLK Academy wishes to thank the City of Memphis and Shelby County for their efforts in making so many scholarships available to students throughout Shelby County!

Congratulations to our MCS Prep Graduates!

~214 Graduates~

The Memphis City Schools Prep Academies Fall 2011 Graduation Ceremony was held on December 16, 2011, 6 p.m., at the Cannon Center, 255 North Main Street. Two-Hundred Fourteen students received their high school diplomas during the graduation. The MCS Prep Academies are specialized schools that offer an accelerated innovative, rich and engaging program of study specific to the academic and social needs of individual students. Our schools are unique in the fact that they offer students:

*Individual Learning Plans

*No Sequential Grade Structure

*Extended Day/Extended Year

*Accelerated Credit Accumulation

*Integration of Careers and Technology

*Service Learning

*Internships/Externship

Many MCS Prep graduates have post-secondary options, and have been offered full scholarships to four year colleges and universities.