Congratulations to seventeen of our school for winning the USDA's Healthier U.S. School Challenge Award! The HUSSC Award is given to schools across the country for exemplary steps, leadership and team work used to make changes to the schools’ nutrition environment. This includes the quality of the foods served; the offering of more nutritious, healthier choices; and, enhancing their physical activity program.



Awards are given broze, silver, and gold. Winning schools receive a HUSSC award plaque, a banner to display, and a small monetary incentive award of $500 to $2000. The names of these schools are also added to the HUSSC awardees list on the Team Nutrition HUSSC website.



Here are the winners:

• Glenview Elementary School (Gold)


• Bordeaux Enhanced Option Elementary School (Bronze)


• Cole Elementary School (Bronze)


• Harpeth Valley Elementary School (Bronze)


• Haywood Elementary School (Bronze)


• I.T. Cresswell Arts Magnet (Bronze)


• John F. Kennedy Middle School (Bronze)


• Jones Paideia Elementary School (Bronze)


• Lakeview Elementary School (Bronze)


• Lockeland Elementary School (Bronze)


• Margaret Allen Middle School (Bronze)


• McGavock Elementary School (Bronze)


• Pennington Elementary School (Bronze)


• Rosebank Elementary School (Bronze)


• Ross Elementary School (Bronze)


• Shwab Elementary School (Bronze)


• Stanford Elementary School (Bronze)

Congratulations to John Early Museum Magnet Middle School for being the top winners in the SUMDOG district Math competition with an overall score of 4,755 points!  JEMMMS students won every round, and eight students placed in the top 10 for the entire district. These students will be presented with a certificate for their respective ranking, and every student who participated will be rewarded with a pizza party.

The school will receive an engraved trophy and a site license for Yenka Mathematics software, worth $750.  Again, congratulations to JEMMMS students for their outstanding performance!

It's time to call your Senators and Representatives!

This is where you can help.

Sen. Lamar Alexander

Email | Facebook | Twitter | You Tube



Washington D.C. Office:

P: (202) 224-4944

F: (202) 228-3398



Nashville, TN Office:

P: (615) 736-5129

F: (615) 269-4803

Hundreds of Metro students and their families will have extra reason to cheer this holiday season. The district’s Family Resource Centers, family involvement specialists, and social workers have been working overtime the past few weeks to make sure food and toys are plentiful for families. Students at Park Avenue were first surprised with the gifts in a special presentation Thursday, Dec. 15.

A special thank you to Metro Schools’ transportation and central services departments have provided unmatched assistance in storing and transferring the items – from area donors to schools and centers in need.

Board Member & Sports Fan Mark North

Wrestling Roundup

All Star Game Honors

Hoops Weekend

• East Lit Eagles travel to MLK Royals;


• Glencliff Colts go to Father Ryan;


• Hunters Lane Warriors host Hillsboro Burros;


• Hillwood Hilltoppers head over to West End to play MBA (boys game only);


• Hume Fogg Knights travel to Whites Creek Cobras;


• Pearl-Cohn Firebirds host Maplewood Panthers;


• Stratford Spartans travel to CPA;


• And in the battle of the Overtons: Memphis Overton (or as we call them, Overton the Less) visits MNPS to play the real Overton Bobcats.

• Antioch Bears will play out in Wilson County in the Mt. Juliet Classic tournament; and


• Cane Ridge Ravens travel to Sumner County for the Hendersonville Christmas tournament.

• Hillwood Hilltoppers travel to Nashville Christian; and


• Hillsboro Burros (boys’ team) will play in the Independence Classic tournament in Williamson County

Exam Week Advice (or I heard this from a Coach)

MNPS: The First Choice for Perseverance

The Hume-Fogg Silver Jazz band has been selected to perform and compete in the Savannah Music Festival’s Swing Central Jazz Competition and Workshop at the end of March. This is an elite competition for which only the top 12 high school jazz bands in the USA are selected! Congrats HFA!

You don’t have to take our word for it. One of the most well-respected educational research outfits in the country says MNPS Achieves is working and making our district better.



Back in April of 2010, the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University started a two-year evaluation of the district’s massive reform effort. In the Institute’s ‘Year 2’ report, which is now available online, evaluators say that MNPS Achieves is moving the district “in the right direction.”



The report includes a lot of praise for collaboration both within the district and with the community as a whole. It also notes the visible culture change taking root in Central Office and a more focused and shared understanding of what effective teaching should look like.



For the full report, head over to the MNPS Achieves page. While you’re there you can learn more about the massive reform effort that’s been underway since 2009. Below you’ll find our official press release, which points out some highlights from the report.

METRO NASHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL REFORM “MOVING IN RIGHT DIRECTION” REPORTS EVALUATION TEAM Brown University’s Annenberg Institute Issues Year 2 Assessment; National Advisory Panel Offers Recommendations NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 13, 2011) – “MNPS Achieves,” the system-wide transformation of Metro Nashville Public Schools that began in 2009, shows great promise according to the second annual report issued today by the Brown University-affiliated evaluation team. The report’s release coincides with the reform effort’s National Advisory Panel meeting in Nashville. The Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University (AISR) submitted its 54-page assessment, covering August 2010-May 2011, to Dr. Jesse Register, director of MNPS Schools, and the Metro Nashville Board of Public Education, noting, “MNPS has much to be proud of in building a comprehensive and inclusive system-wide transformation effort.” “We are making progress in public education in Nashville and it is good to have our progress recognized by national experts as well as our school families,” said Director of Schools Jesse Register. “We have much more work to do to improve student achievement and we look forward to additional feedback on our efforts from the National Advisory Panel.” A draft of the Annenberg Institute’s complete report was shared with the five-member National Advisory Panel for “MNPS Achieves,” recruited by AISR in fall 2010, to aid in evaluation conceptualization, provide feedback and suggest improvements to the reform model’s design and implementation. Members include AISR’s Norm Fruchter; Boston College’s Andy Hargreaves; San Diego State professor and National Center for Urban School Transformation Executive Director Joseph Johnson; University of Pittsburgh’s Carrie R. Leana; and Harvard University’s Thomas Payzant, the former superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. All but Payzant will be in Nashville Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16. A central focus is the implementation of “MNPS Achieves,” a transformational change leadership model that has engaged more than 100 leaders throughout the district and community in a systematic process to improve student achievement. “MNPS Achieves” is organized around nine transformational leadership groups (TLGs) that are areas of concern, such as English learners, human capital systems and students with special needs. In AISR’s evaluation, researchers focused on assessing these TLGs, as well as collaborative culture and capacity building, and one of the improved performance outcomes: a shared understanding of effective teaching and learning. In the examination of district culture, researchers found that the significant improvement in collaborative practice identified in last year’s report was maintained, and furthermore, the district’s close partnerships with community organizations, businesses and individuals through their involvement as TLG members has “contributed to the shift to a more hopeful culture.” “’MNPS Achieves’ has brought together partners across the city, and there is alignment on several important issues…,” noted the report. “Some participants also mentioned…a citywide focus on education, with increasing collaboration with, and support from organizations such as the mayor’s office and chamber of commerce, as well as an improved sense of confidence in the district from the community at large….” At the central office, researchers found a general sense that MNPS possesses a vision and mission focused on student achievement, highly effective teaching, leadership development, and continuous improvement, and is “’moving in the right direction.’” Researchers observed that changes in attitude and actions of MNPS leadership have “begun to take root across the district, and a major factor in accelerating that shift has been the investments made to develop the capacity of principals.” Within capacity building, survey and interview results were consistent among central office and school administrators in their support for “data-informed decision making,” identified as a major focus and priority of MNPS. In contrast, researchers noted that district communication continues to be a challenge, as fewer than half of the staff felt that the channels of communication were open. While there was improvement noted in communication between schools and the central office, schoolbased staff complained about inconsistencies in communication from the central office. Regarding a shared understanding of effective teaching and learning, the theme of differentiation was most frequently identified -- instruction tailored to the needs of individual learners or groups of learners -- as the vision of good instruction. Whether that vision was shared district-wide, one teacher summed-up by saying: “I think the most productive part of this initiative is that no matter what need the student has, we must meet it…Metro has put it out there…we do it.” Respondents, however, pointed to two challenges to defining and further developing instructional vision: (1) The Common Core Standards mean that any connections between standards and the instructional vision are at an early stage (K-2 only); (2) tools meant to support good instruction – such as pacing guides and benchmarks – are not seen as useful by teachers. About the Annenberg Institute The Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University is a national policy-research and reform support organization that promotes quality education for all children, particularly in urban communities. The institute's primary lines of inquiry include college readiness, extended learning, and school transformation. Its focuses on developing and promoting the concept of a “smart education systems,” a comprehensive set of community-centered school reforms that coordinate educational supports and services at school, at home, and in the community to provide all children with equitable opportunities and high-quality learning experiences.

Have your say in how your children are taught by giving us feedback on the new textbooks up for adoption.



MNPS is looking to adopt new textbooks for literature, fine arts, and career & technical education. Once adopted, they will be purchased and used for six years. They will all be on display throughout December and January for your review. Details are below:



WHAT

Parents, teachers and the community are invited to view textbooks Metro Nashville Public Schools is considering adopting for literature, fine arts and Career & Technical Education courses. Books may be viewed daily; a feedback form will be available. The books selected will be used for six years.



WHEN:

Weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Friday, Dec. 9 through January 20, 2012. Limited hours December 19 through 21, 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Closed December 22, 2011 through January 2, 2012.



WHERE:

Cohn Adult Learning Center, Room 100, 4805 Park Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209

Parking is suggested on the street closest to the corner of Elkins Avenue and 49th Street. Enter through the door facing Elkins closest to 49th or the door on 49th closest to Elkins. Room 100 is just inside.

Belmont University has extended a gracious offer to MNPS students and staff. The university is offering discounted pricing at several December games, and free admission to see the Lady Bruins take on Texas State, Wednesday, Dec. 21. Just show your ID card and gain free admission.



You can also get discounted tickets for the Men's Dec. 15 game against Troy State, the Lady's Dec. 18 game against Austin Peay, and the Men's Dec. 29 game against Marshall. Tickets for these games are $5 for adults, $1 youth for the men's games; $3 for adult, $1 youth for the women's games. For more information, call the Curb Event Center Box Office at 460-BALL.

Hannibal Myers, chief development officer of Shoney's; Oskar Groitzsch; Magdalene Kennedy; Angel Puryear; and Catherine Hite, general counsel of Shoney's.

Students from Hume-Fogg, McGavock and Stratford High Schools took home free iPads after winning big in the "My Future, My Way" essay contest from MNPS, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Shoney's.

The three's essays were among thousands turned in after the Career Exploration Fair in October. Of those thousands, one winner was chosen from each school, with three grand prize winners chosen by a panel of judges. Magdalene Kennedy, Angel Puryear, and Oskar Groitzsch wrote the three winning essays and each received an iPad as reward.

A full release from the Chamber of Commerce, including the list of all seventeen school-level winners, is below.

Nashville's business recognize leaders Metro Nashville Public Schools freshmen ssay contest winners receive prizes NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 7, 2011) – Seventeen ninth-grade Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) students were recognized by leaders in Nashville’s business community today as winners of the inaugural "My Future, My Way" Career Exploration Fair essay contest. More than 4,500 freshmen from 17 different MNPS schools attended the career exploration fair at the Nashville Convention Center on Oct. 27. As part of Shoney’s five-year sponsorship of the "My Future, My Way" Career Exploration Fair, students later wrote an essay about how the experience impacted their thoughts about school, college and an eventual career. Each of the 17 schools selected an essay winner, and a panel composed of judges from MNPS, Shoney’s and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce selected three grand prize winners. The three grand prize winners read their essays at today’s CEO Champions meeting, and each received a new iPad. The remaining 14 winners will each receive a $100 Shoney’s gift card. “These students are already ahead, because they are exploring their interests and thinking about college and what they might want to do in life,” said David Davoudpour, chairman & CEO of Shoney’s. “Shoney’s Restaurants is investing in Nashville’s young people, because we feel it’s important to help develop America’s future leaders.” “This year’s fair was not only bigger than in the past, it was even more engaging and inspiring for our students,” said Dr. Jesse Register, director of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. “It is important for young people to broaden their horizons about the many careers that could be in their futures. The career fair not only introduces students to new career possibilities, it also helps them understand how they can prepare for those careers during high school and through higher education. We appreciate Shoney’s for making this experience possible.” "My Future, My Way" Career Exploration Fair essay contest winners Magdalene Kennedy, Hume Fogg Academic Magnet School (grand prize) Angel Puryear, McGavock High School (grand prize) Oskar Groitzsch, Stratford High School (grand prize) Kelcie Walden, Antioch High School Austin Hayes, Big Picture School Sandra Watson, Cane Ridge High School Stephanie Webb, East Literature Magnet School Aaron Davis, Glencliff High School Efrain Salazar, Hillsboro High School Matcie Sitze, Hillwood High School Cory Nelson, Hunters Lane High School Destiny Anderson, Maplewood High School Dheeraj Namburu, Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet School Iris Engel, Nashville School for the Arts Niesha Everson, Pearl-Cohn High School Lilly Quach, Overton High School Tovia Williams, Whites Creek High School The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing more than 2,000 member companies. Belong, engage, lead, prosper embodies what the Chamber focuses on for its members. Together with its affiliates, the Nashville Chamber works to strengthen the region’s business climate and to enhance Nashville’s position as a desirable place to live, work and visit. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.

West End IB World School is competing for a $5,000 grant to help solve hunger in the school community. Through the Brookside Foods Giving Back Challenge: Call for Community-Based Organizations, the students have submitted an “IDEA” that revolves around the expansion of the school’s community garden. If selected, West End will add raised beds and a greenhouse to the existing community garden, which will allow the students to grow more vegetables and herbs. The produce will be packed into students’ backpacks and sent home for health weekend meals.

Click here to see West End’s video and cast your vote.Voting is open until December 9, 2011, 2:00 p.m.

 

NASHVILLE, TN (December 2, 2011) – In what could be the last Tennessee Report Card tied to No Child Left Behind, Metro Nashville Public Schools shows overall growth despite tougher standards and new calculation methods.

 

“We are seeing a great deal of progress across the board and fully support the state’s pursuit of an accountability process that accurately reflects the progress of our schools and students,” said MNPS Director of Schools Dr. Jesse Register.  “We have just received the final Report Card information and are currently reviewing the information it contains.”

               

This past July, the state released Adequate Yearly Progress results for 2011, which provided clear evidence of the flaws in the current assessment structure with NCLB.  Tennessee is in its second year of implementation of new standards that are among the most rigorous in the country, which is a positive change for students. These more difficult standards and increasing benchmarks make it harder for districts and schools to make AYP.

 

This year’s data show:

 

The district has rebounded from the significant increase in state standards in 2009-10 and showed marked increase in achievement in 2010-11.

• We increased our scores for achievement in all four subjects: reading, science, math and social studies. Our letter grades rose in math and social studies to C’s, which are comparable to the rest of the state.


•  We made more progress in all grades for reading and math than the state target. Our overall three-year TVAAS (Tennessee Value Added Assessment System) grades went up significantly and our math scores increased a letter grade.


• The report card shows our high school graduation rate dropping from 82.9% in 2010, using a five-year calculation, to 76.2% in 2011, using a four-year calculation. We knew the change to a four- year rate would affect us more than most districts because we serve many English Learners and students with disabilities who benefit from a five-year program. Unfortunately, the four-year calculation does not allow the time appropriate for these students.


• We cut our dropout rate almost in half, from 4.4% to 2.3%, which means about 250 more students have remained in school.

 

To see results from the 2011 Tennessee Report Card, click here.

 

Also worthy of note, educators locally and nationally have pushed for new evaluation tools that more accurately reflect the academic progress of students, schools and school districts. Tennessee has submitted a request that would provide a waiver from some parts of the NCLB law and allow more flexibility for accountability.  The request can be found online here.

Sylvan Park Elementary School held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly decorated cafeteria and auditorium. The cafeteria wall paintings are designed to promote healthy eating among students as well give them a visual of how the school grows its food. These two areas of the school were recently updated through the hard work of the Sylvan Park parents.

Congressman Jim Cooper proves that it never hurts to ask! Earlier this week, Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet Senior Gerald Harris (pictured lower left with Congressman Cooper and PCHS Principal Dr. Threadcraft) invited the lawmaker to visit the school and see the changes. Not only did he say yes, but he also spent time touring the school and visiting with students.

Inglewood Elementary recently hosted a writing contest during which two bikes from Happening From Kids were donated and given students as prizes.  All fourth grade students submitted a graphic organizer, first draft, and a final paper on "Why I Should Win the Bike."  We want to send a big shout out to all of our fourth grade participants for their hard word.  A congratulations to 2nd place winner Deyomi H., for the Best Persuasion paper; and to 1st Place winner Carlton B., for Best Mechanics paper.  Also, a big thanks to Eastside Cycles, Happening for Kids, Asphalt Beach, and the Inglewood PTO for supporting the contest.

It's no secret Metro Schools is in the midst of district-wide transformational change, and our middle schools are no exception! The district is placing a heavier focus on educating the whole child, not just one aspect of adolescent life. And the difference is palpable.



In a series of short videos (found here), hear why students and staff say the new philosophy is making a real difference. You can also catch the full 22-minute piece Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., or Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on NECAT's IQTV10, cable channel 10.

To see more videos produced by Metro Schools, visit us on YouTube.