MNPS Announces New IT Director

I am very encouraged and excited about the below appointment. Efforts to improve our attendance tracking system will be a key priority and the experience John Williams brings on a system level from both a school district and corporate environment will prove very valuable. Welcome John Williams to MNPS!

Nashville, TN (July 14, 2009) - Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools announces the selection of John M. Williams as the district's new executive director of Information Technology. Williams, who comes to the district with more than 18 years experience, was selected from a candidate pool numbering more than 130 applicants.

"John has the extensive experience, both in public school districts and the private sector, we need in Metro Schools," said Director of Schools Dr. Jesse Register in announcing the appointment. "He is a strategic and innovative thinker who I feel has the skills and the personality to be an excellent addition to our team."

Williams currently works as an independent technology solutions contractor in Atlanta, and has previously served as director of operational technology and telecommunications for Atlanta Public Schools, director of network services for Orange County Public Schools in Orlando and senior manager for technical services for MCI Communications.

"In my role as Executive Director of Information Technology I will focus on three areas, " Williams said. "First, to direct IT resources toward achieving the transformational change outlined by Dr. Register; second, to provide a dependable IT infrastructure and dynamic support to all of our customer; and finally, to support a spirit of excellence within the IT department while challenging staff to embrace change and serve as technological leaders, strategist, and innovators in the MNPS community."

Williams will oversee all information technology matters, including development and implementation of programs that meet the requirements of district policies and strategies. He is replacing former Assistant Superintendent for Informational Technology Lance Lott, who resigned to pursue his dream of becoming a classroom instructor. Under the new central office organizational structure, Information Technology reports to the chief operating officer, a position that is still vacant.

Williams will begin work July 20.

Mark Your Calendars to attend the 2009 YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUTH CONFERENCE "YES WE CAN"

http://www.youcanmakeitcrusade.com/

2009 YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUTH CONFERENCE"YES WE CAN!"
JULY 30th & 31st, 2009

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Old Hickory location

Mission
The You Can Make It Youth Crusade is an extension of the Youth Ministry of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. The Youth Crusade is an oasis of hope for youth of every community, ethnicity, economic status and gender. The Youth Crusade in itself is a culmination of yearly activities of the Youth Ministry of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Vision Statement:
The Youth Crusade exists to provide youth with resources to equip and empower them for all aspects of life as it relates to spiritual, emotional, educational, physical and financial well-being.
The “You Can Make It Youth Crusade embodies the vision of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, for its focus is to bring relevant and holistic ministry to the youth of the community who maybe at risk because of academic deficiency, violence, physical and sexual abuse, drug abuse, or socioeconomic status among other causes. The “You Can Make It Youth” Crusade was birthed in 1998 by the visionary of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III. Discerning a need to provide relevant outreach in an effort to save the next generation, the You Can Make It Youth Crusade established an aggressive partnership with youth, parents, teachers and community leaders to provide the “forgotten,” our youth, with resources and strategies to ensure future success academically, financially, physically and spiritually.
Equipping Youth Academically – Each year, hundreds of area youth are provided the necessary schools supplies to ensure they are off to a good start at the beginning of the academic calendar year. Throughout the year, volunteers within the Youth Ministry provide general and Gateway tutoring to ensure our youth are prepared and equipped to compete academically. Programs and services are also offered to assist parents and students who may have special education needs. The Summer Enrichment Program is hosted annually and serves to provide additional support in areas such as reading, math and comprehension.
Equipping Youth Financially – Stewardship is key to ensuring our youth are equipped to generate and manage wealth. The Youth Ministry affords youth an opportunity to learn basic principles of financial management, college/retirement planning, saving/investingand entrepreneurship. In 2002, through a partnership with AmSouth Bank, youth established a Youth Savings Bank, promoting discipline in saving/ and investing.. Youth also participate in Financial Aid and Teen Business Owners Workshops.
Equipping Youth Physically – Above all else, our desire is for our youth to be in health and to prosper physically. However, our nation is currently experiencing an obesity epidemic and youth are being plagued as well. Several programs have been established to promote an active lifestyle through recreational sports such as baseball, basketball and football.
Spiritually – At the heart of the program is a mandate to ensure our youth grow and develop spiritually. Youth attend weekly bible study designed to focus specifically on topics youth face today. The sessions are designed to facilitate discussion, provide insight and guidance through sound biblical principals. Youth are also encouraged to develop discipline in regards to regular bible study attendance, daily personal devotion and bible study. The Youth Ministry also sponsors a “True Love Waits” Workshop with the objective to promote abstinence. Counseling is also available to youth needing assistance as they struggle with anger management, divorce, peer pressure, and other pressures confronting them.
Community Involvement –Youth are encouraged to become responsible citizens and to give back to their community. Youth are involved in a variety of initiatives to ensure they remain attached to their community and understand their role in preserving, rebuilding and strengthening the community. Youth participate in such activities as Nursing Home visits, Can Food Drives, Feeding the Homeless and providing lawn/yard care services to seniors, etc.
Parental Support – Because parents play a significant role in lives of youth, one of the goals of the Youth Crusade is to ensure parents have available parenting resources. Each year “Focus on the Family and Parenting” Workshops are offered as an informative forum for parents to gain knowledge, critical support and parenting strategies for family care and healing.
Since its inception, the “You Can Make It” Youth Crusade, in conjunction with the Youth Ministry of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, has positively impacted the lives of thousands of youth and families throughout Davidson County and surrounding areas. A progressive approach, a strong partnership with parents and relevant programs that support the total well being of our youth has made the difference.
For more information on the “You Can Make It” Youth Crusade or to find out how you or your organization can sponsor this annual event, please contact Darrell Walker, Youth Director, at 615-254-7296 or via email at mailto:dwalker@mtzionnashville.org

Mark Your Calendars for the Mayors First Day Festival

Seeking Volunteers!

The 10th Annual Mayor's First Day Festival will be held Sunday, August 9, 2009 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sommet Center (formerly the Nashville Arena) in Downtown Nashville. It will be a fun-filled day of celebration of our schools, children and parents.

http://www.nashville.gov/mocy/firstday/2009/index.asp

DONATE TO THE FESTIVAL
The First Day effort has more than 30 sponsors that annually commit to the success of the Festival as an event that is truly unique to Nashville. If you'd like more information on sponsoring the event, please contact Etta Bell, education program manager for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, at 615-743-3153 or ebell@nashvillechamber.com.

HOST AN ACTIVITY BOOTH

Each year, the Festival draws more than 20,000 people downtown for educational activities, entertainment and free school supplies. Because First Day is truly a community event, there is no cost for the booth, but all booths are required to be educational, matching the theme of the event and appropriate for students.

VOLUNTEER AT THE FESTIVAL

Some of Nashville's leading companies and organizations recruit 10- to 20-person volunteer teams for event volunteer tasks. Your organization can choose from one of many task categories, including crowd management, backpack distribution, entertainment coordinators, vendor load-in/load-out and hospitality. First Day staff will train the team to perform that task.

School Board works on Draft Vision Statement for MNPS

District 6 constituents, please email me at karen.y.johnson@mnps.org your feedback. Thank you.
DRAFT Vision Statement for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools


Vision:


Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will provide every student with the foundation of knowledge, skills and character necessary to excel in higher education, work and life.

We embrace and value a diverse student population and community. Different perspectives and backgrounds form the cornerstone of our strong public education system.


To Succeed We Must:

Provide an excellent teacher in every class, for every student, every year;
Ensure that school leadership is focused on high student achievement and cultivating an environment that produces excellence for a diverse student body;
Build and sustain effective and efficient systems to support finances, operations and the academic and personal growth of students;
Engage all families, recognizing the power and responsibility of parents and caregivers to drive success for students; and
Strengthen connections with the entire community to support all areas of student growth.


We Believe:

All students bring unique cultural backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, interests, and social and health needs.
Each student can achieve at high levels, exceeding national standards.
Quality school staff is essential to academic excellence.
Consistent and sustained leadership ensures results are achieved and proven strategies can take hold.
Professional development must be sustained, clear and consistently focused on quality instruction.
Families and community organizations must be partners in meeting our goals.
Each person in the school system is responsible for working toward this vision.
Effective, two-way communication with parents and other stakeholders is essential.
Transparency and accountability must be valued and practiced.


Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will be the first choice for families.

Click on image to enlarge original invite from Councillady Megan Barry and Councilman Frank Harrison.

Date: July 7, 2009

To: Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors & Members of Metro Council

Re: Invitation to Meet & Greet School Board District 9 Candidates

You are cordially invited to come "Meet & Greet Monday, July 20, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. the candidates that applied to fill the vacant District 9 School Board seat. The event will be held in the Mayor's Media Room at the Historic Metro Courthouse, One Public Square, first floor and will be hosted by Councilmembers Eric Crafton, Emily Evans, Jason Holleman, and Bo Mitchell along with Education Committee Chair Megan Barry and Rules Committee Chair Frank Harrison.

This informal event will be an opportunity for Metro Councilmembers, School Board members, and other interested persons to meet the candidates. Each candidate will be given 3-5 minutes to introduce themselves and make remarks. While there will not be time for a formal "question and answer" period, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates one-on-one following their introductions.

We invite members of the two Committees, as well as all members of the Council, to attend this event and meet the candidates. All nominations will be filed with the Metro Clerk by July 14th and the Council will vote to fill the vacancy on July 21st. I hope you will mark your calendar and join us on July 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Media Room.

Sincerely,

Megan Barry, Chair Education Committee, Councilmember at Large

Frank R. Harrison, Chair, Rule-Confirmations-Public Elections Committee, Councilman, District 2

cc: Mayor Karl Dean, Chair David Fox & Members of the Board of Public Education, Dr. Jesse Register, Director of Schools, Mr. Chris Henson, Ms. Danielle Mezera, Mayor's Office, Ms. Candy Markman, Mayors Office, Ms. Laura Hansen, Mayor's Office, Mr. Greg Hinote, Deputy Mayor, Mr. Marty Szeigis, Mayor's Office, Mr. Richard Riebeling, Director of Finance, Mr. Erick Huth, MNEA, MNPS Parents Advisory Council, Ms. Alvesia Hawkins, MNPS, Mr. Marc Hill, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, News Media

Nashville high school students who dual enroll in college get extra help

Photo by Gary Layda

Nashville high school students who dual enroll in college get extra help

New scholarship fund fills gap for Metro students
By Jaime Sarrio • THE TENNESSEAN • July 2, 2009

Money won't stand in the way of qualified Metro Nashville high school students who want to dual enroll in college courses, Mayor Karl Dean announced Wednesday.

Starting next fall, students can access about $160 a year from the "One Step Ahead" fund, which will cover the cost of community college courses not paid for by lottery scholarships. High school students are eligible for $600 a year in lottery dollars — not quite enough for two courses.
Dean plans to fund the tuition gap with private donations in hopes that fewer barriers to college will improve the likelihood students will graduate from high school.
"This will greatly increase the number of students that can take dual enrollment classes — which we know encourages them to stay in school, succeed and go on to attend college after high school," Dean said at a media conference.
High school students who qualify can use lottery dollars to pay for one college course per semester, up to $300, which leaves about $80 per semester students must cover on their own.
The classes will be offered at Metro high schools, and colleges are still working to determine what will be offered, said Sydney Rogers, executive director of Alignment Nashville, which helped organize the fund.
Volunteer State Community College will serve students at Whites Creek, Hunters Lane and McGavock high schools, and Nashville State Community College will serve the remainder of the city's students. The scholarship fund has about $80,000 in it, but Rogers expects that will grow with enrollment.
Core academic courses like math and science will require that students take the ACT and meet a predetermined cut score, while other general-interest classes will be offered to almost everyone, Rogers said. She said "thousands" of Metro students could qualify but didn't have precise numbers.
Either way, Rogers said, exposing students to college coursework will produce added benefits. "It transforms them, and they realize they can go to college," Rogers said. "It often makes them more dedicated to study, and they'll score better on the ACTs."
-->(2 of 2)
Other Tennessee mayors are taking steps to improve college access. Dean declined an invitation last year to join mayors in Knoxville and Shelby County in the Tennessee Urban Mayors Forum, a nonprofit aimed at increasing access to community college. Graduates from high schools in those areas will be able to attend local community colleges for free with the help of scholarships and money donated to the organization.
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Dean said he felt funding dual enrollment would be a more effective way to increase the graduation rate, citing research that shows students who are enrolled in college are more likely to earn a high school diploma and continue with their upper-level coursework.
School board chairman David Fox said he would like to see the city guarantee free community college tuition to Metro graduates in the future.
"I think this is a good way to get started, but we can think bigger," Fox said.
According to information provided by the mayor's office, 236 Nashville high school students received lottery-funded dual enrollment grants last year, representing 2 percent of grant recipients statewide.
The school district's previous administration pushed advanced placement classes over dual enrollment, which is why so few students took advantage of the program, Dean said.
This fall, Darrius Thompson, a graduate of Middle College High School, will begin Middle Tennessee State University as a sophomore because of dual enrollment.
Thompson, 18, said he watched many fellow students struggle to pay for tuition and books, which can cost hundreds of dollars. But he believes getting the college experience early gives students an edge.
"It's a great preparation for real college," he said. "You're working toward something and you're getting a hands-on experience in adult life."

Other Tennessee mayors are taking steps to improve college access. Dean declined an invitation last year to join mayors in Knoxville and Shelby County in the Tennessee Urban Mayors Forum, a nonprofit aimed at increasing access to community college. Graduates from high schools in those areas will be able to attend local community colleges for free with the help of scholarships and money donated to the organization.

Dean said he felt funding dual enrollment would be a more effective way to increase the graduation rate, citing research that shows students who are enrolled in college are more likely to earn a high school diploma and continue with their upper-level coursework.
School board chairman David Fox said he would like to see the city guarantee free community college tuition to Metro graduates in the future.
"I think this is a good way to get started, but we can think bigger," Fox said.
According to information provided by the mayor's office, 236 Nashville high school students received lottery-funded dual enrollment grants last year, representing 2 percent of grant recipients statewide.
The school district's previous administration pushed advanced placement classes over dual enrollment, which is why so few students took advantage of the program, Dean said.
This fall, Darrius Thompson, a graduate of Middle College High School, will begin Middle Tennessee State University as a sophomore because of dual enrollment.
Thompson, 18, said he watched many fellow students struggle to pay for tuition and books, which can cost hundreds of dollars. But he believes getting the college experience early gives students an edge.
"It's a great preparation for real college," he said. "You're working toward something and you're getting a hands-on experience in adult life."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dean touts free way to earn college credit in high school classes
Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 12:54am
By Amy Griffith Graydon

Kids at Metro Nashville Public Schools soon will be able to earn college credit for qualifying high school classes — free of charge, a gift from private dollars.The newly developed One Step Ahead fund will be available to students at several, as yet undetermined, Metro schools as soon as this fall. It won’t be long, organizers say, before the program is available to all Metro students. Mayor Karl Dean, one of the organizers of the fund, said Wednesday he’d like to see as many as half of all Metro juniors and seniors eventually taking advantage of the program.“This will greatly increase the number of students that can take dual enrollment classes, which we know encourages them to stay in school, succeed and attend college after high school,” Dean said Wednesday in a statement.Currently, Metro high school students attempting to pay for dual-enrollment credits — classes that count for both high school and college credit — are able to secure grant funding through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, which is funded by the Tennessee Lottery. According to Dean, the difference between funding provided by that grant and the actual cost of community college tuition comes to about $80 per class. That $80 gap is what the One Step Ahead fund is intended to clear.The fund was developed by Dean, the Nashville State Community College Foundation, United Way of Metro Nashville, the Ingram Charitable Fund and other local donors. The private dollars raised by Dean for the project are in addition to Dean’s Education First fund, which has utilized privately raised dollars to pay for initiatives like the first year of Teach for American in Nashville.Dean said Wednesday that if demand for the scholarship funds outpaces donations, he plans to raise more funds. He said he’s confident that the project is one Nashville donors will continue to support.Sydney Rogers, executive director of Alignment Nashville, said details of the project’s implementation are still being rolled out. Only a few high schools will likely participate this fall, she said, as communication efforts are ramped up. Rogers said parents seeking more information should watch, in about a month, the Web sites of Alignment Nashville, Metro Nashville Public Schools and Nashville State.

Invite to Publix Grand Opening from Councilman Robert Duvall

Councilman Robert Duvall extends the below invite. More details forthcoming. This is an exciting time for our community as Publix when they were located near Una Antioch Pike was a huge supporter of our children, schools and community. Look forward to seeing everyone. Thank you.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Robert Duvall rduvall71@comcast.net
Date: Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 8:19 PMS
Subject: RE: Publix Mt. View Grand Opening - Important Message
To: Jay Voorhees , Sam Coleman , Sam * Coleman, Sam Coleman, Karen Johnson , Robert Duval , Duane Dominy, Duane Dominy, "Valerie B. King", Parker Toler, Jim Hodge, "Wilhoite, Vivian ", "Szeigis, Marty (Mayor's Office)", Diane Neighbors , John Jno-Finn
To all:

Our friends at Publix have very kindly let us know they are in charge of the festivities related to the Grand Opening and they will oversee their Grand Opening program.

I spoke with them today. They will be sending me an invitation to forward to all of you. I have contacted the Mayor’s Office and hope to spread good news of his commitment to attend soon.

I have requested from Publix invitations for Mayor Dean, Vice-Mayor Neighbors, Antioch Council Members & School Board Members, Sam Coleman, Parker Toler, Karen Johnson, Duane Dominy, Jim Hodge, & Vivian Wilhoite.

I was told the event will start promptly at 6:45 AM, July 22, 2009, and the store will open at 7 AM. Please feel free to invite your entire community to this great event!

I will update you when I get further information.

Robert

UniverSoul Circus Comes to Nashville July 9th through July 12th!

Please support this great family event.

Click on flyer to enlarge

Support UniverSoul Circus and the Care for Kids Gun Drive

Copy and Paste below link for News Channel 5 Coverage
http://www.wtvf.com/Global/story.asp?S=10608888

Copy and Paste below link for News Channel 2 Coverage of Event
http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=10612407

Remembering Michael Jackson

RIP Michael J! I grew up listening to Micheal Jackson and his unexpected death has created great sorrow. He will be missed immeasurably. His music was truly inspirational to all!





Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk


Michael Jackson - Rock With You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AulpHEa3GwU


Michael Jackson - Black Or White
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI9OYMRwN1Q






Got to be There
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35pqeqzGAu8


Ben
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gh06zLZ4v0&feature=channel


Rockin Robin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWm2G7XOcqI&feature=channel


Liberian Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjtI2WZTZ9k&feature=channel_page

Gone Too Soon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=101iXwPTNE0&feature=channel

Dr. Register's Speech with the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Register's Remarks to the Chamber of Commerce - 6/18/2009

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity today to address questions that you may have about the current status of the Metro Nashville Public Schools and to articulate plans to embark on a major reform of the district beginning this summer.
I am pleased to make these remarks to your Chamber because it is so important that we believe that our community cannot thrive unless all young people receive a high quality education that will give each of them a reasonable chance of realizing the American Dream, regardless of where they are born or how much their parents make. I believe that the successful education of most all of our children is essential for the overall health of our economy and our future success as a nation.
We must recognize the advantage that we have in this community because there is common recognition of the importance and value of making our public schools excellent schools. I see and hear this across our community.
We have a school board that is very capable and that is developing a common vision for our system. We have a mayor that has made a commitment from his first day in office to improving the quality of the schools in Nashville. It is such an advantage to have this common commitment and a will to improve the public schools.
I want to be very clear and direct with my message today.
First, I am not waiting on pins and needles for test scores that will be released in July. Quite frankly, this district needs urgent, dramatic and comprehensive reform regardless of the test scores this summer. We are already implementing reforms that will have long term benefits.
Central office reorganization that moves resources into the schools MNPS Achieves: A collaborative change leadership group of 100 district and community leaders that have embarked on systemic school district reform Reconstituting five schools this summer to promote rapid change and improvement Recruiting new principals and strategically assigning school leaders as principals who can turn schools around immediately Second, to students, parents, taxpayers, and local and state officials, I want to make sure that you know that this entire school system is not broken. We will reform this district by developing remedies and strategies that are urgent and bold, but also surgical, smart and data driven. We are drawn to the negatives that we hear, but there is much that is good in the district also.
Third, every decision made and reform strategies upon which we embark will be data informed. A premium will be placed on learning how to prescriptively and strategically use data. I have been in communication with Dr. William Sanders and have asked him to partner with us in this effort. Dr. Sanders is a Tennessean, a grandparent of children in Nashville, and the nation’s leading expert in using a value added model of data analysis of student achievement. Basically, the value added system shows how much academic gain a student makes each year, irrespective of where they start. We have the ability with this data to literally predict students’ chances of being academically successful as they move through school. It also provides a measurement of teacher impact on each student’s academic progress each year. I know that Bill can help us map out strategies for improving the performance of every child, every teacher and every school in our district.
Test scores are coming out in four to six weeks and there seems to be a lottery like anticipation of what the results will be. From my perspective, I don’t expect to see any radical improvement in test scores, and we may or may not make adequate progress to improve our status as a district. Regardless of the short term outcome, the trends over the past few years show that we have consistently under performed in many areas.
We will not make excuses, but neither do we need to lose perspective. This situation did not come about overnight, and test scores will not change overnight. A sustained and collaborative effort is necessary to achieve the results that we want.
I used my first four months here to do my homework and to identify with the Board, the Mayor, many teachers, administrators and parents key reforms needed, and we have already started.
We have moved resources from the central office into the schools to place instructional support close to the classrooms across the district. We have negotiated a differentiated pay plan for ten schools in the Pearl Cohn cluster to recruit excellent teachers. We have begun the implementation of a transformational change leadership model: MNPS Achieves, that is the most ambitious, systemic and collaborative reform model in the history of MNPS. We have started by engaging over 100 citizens and community leaders who are committing time and expertise to improve the system. We have decided to fresh start five schools before they fall further into a failing status that mandates reconstitution. As we go forward with our efforts, we will follow three basic principles:
Decisions and strategies will continue to be data driven and focused on improving student learning. We will focus on having a highly effective teacher in every classroom and a good instructional support system in every school. Principals will be given more control, authority, flexibility and will be held accountable. They are the instructional leaders in their schools whose primary goal is to create an environment in which teachers can be highly successful and where student learning is the driving force. Here are some action steps that you will see this summer.
In July Bill Sanders will come to the district to establish a direction and start a conversation around useful, prescriptive, relevant data to improve the learning for all of our students. I have asked Dr. Sanders to speak to many of our change leadership groups and to begin conversations with our principals and district leaders. He created the value added assessment program in Tennessee and is the best person to help us effectively use data. This is a first step in uncovering and understanding our weaknesses so that we can sharply focus on improving results. There is tremendous potential in using data already available through the Sanders value added model. It is exciting and now possible to use the data that we already have to predict future academic success for students and to support those that are on track and to modify programs and support for those that are headed to failure. We must relentlessly focus on improving instruction and student learning in the district. We must recognize and support efforts that will ensure a highly effective teacher in every classroom across the district. Recruiting the very best teachers for the district, providing a support system for those teachers, effectively evaluating performance, and creating incentives to recruit and reward excellent teaching based upon student achievement must be initiated. Job embedded, on‐going professional development for all teachers must become a part of a new culture. Extensive staff development efforts this summer include inclusionary and collaborative practices for general and special needs teachers that will lead to more inclusionary classroom practices. Over 4000 teachers will receive this training this summer. New principals will start in 28 new schools in July. We have relocated a number of principals, have moved very competent staff from the central office to principal positions and have recruited highly successful principals from outside the district. Good schools can’t exist without good principals. High school and middle school reform efforts are well under way. The development of small learning communities in traditional high schools, two new high schools for students who have fallen behind and cannot be successful in traditional schools and alternative high school programs initiated in cooperation with Mayor Dean will change the look of secondary education in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The two new high schools alone will have a positive impact on graduation rates this year. I am committed to using every resource available to improve performance of our students. I want to commend Mayor Dean and the private sector for working to bring Teach for America and The New Teacher Project to Nashville. We are fortunate they are here, and we expect to increase the quality of our teaching staff in hard to fill areas as a result. Building leadership capacity in the district is very important. We will invest in leadership development of principals, future principals and other potential leaders in the district. We will explore all options for developing the very best principals for our schools, for example, engaging innovative approaches like New Leaders for New Schools (an approach through which the district can “grow and nurture its own” principals). In conclusion, I have been asked many times why I wanted to come to MNPS. The challenges are significant and success is not a given. But this work is very important. I am focused on big, systemic reform. I am not interested in incremental change or just nibbling around the edges.
Although there is risk involved, I have the will and I am very confident that we can build the capacity in the district to become a highly effective urban school district. With your help, we can get this system on a path for success for all children in the district.
Our focus must not be on test scores that are six weeks out, but on a sustained plan of improvement that will lead to the creation of a successful school system with a sharp vision, a focus on quality instruction and sustained growth in student performance.
I know how to do this. I have done this. We just need a chance to get this plane off the ground, get some air under our wings and start it flying on the right trajectory.
Thank you.

Dr. Register on Seigenthaler's One-on-One

Metro Nashville Schools Director Dr. Jesse Register talks with John Seigenthaler on Nashville Public Television's "One On One" series about his first six months as Director and what he plans for Nashville's public schools.

Board renews controversial schools’ data system contract

Board renews controversial schools’ data system contract
By Amy Griffith Graydon
A Metro Schools’ student data system, blamed in part for attendance record troubles and creating barriers to using student academic data for instruction improvement, was renewed through 2011 by the Board of Education on Tuesday.Chancery SMS has come under both direct and indirect political fire from the state Department of Education, the Mayor’s Office, Metro Police, and teachers union the Metro Nashville Education Association.That criticism is in addition to complaint from school staff members over the time-consuming technology headaches that they say the system causes.Nonetheless, board members approved a school district recommendation — with some reservation — to ink a multi-year contract with Chancery. While Director of Schools Jesse Register had recommended that MNPS “look deeply” at the software and market before inking the contract, Lance Lott, MNPS’ technology officer told board members that the district has determined the Chancery system, a product of Pearson Education Inc., was solid, and still a better option than competitors.Lott suggested that many of the problems have stemmed from Metro’s use — or misuse — of Chancery.“Our use of the system, training, and networks need improvement,” he said. Register, whose previous school district utilized a Chancery competitor, told board members too that the costs associated with changing to a new data system would outweigh the benefits. The district would serve its interests better by learning to more efficiently use what it already has.“What we tend to lose site of is how complex, how complicated it is to make a change,” Register said. “It’s just not worth it.”The contract stipulates the price of $31,442 for the first year of the contract, and $207,000 for each subsequent year. All Metro contracts include a provision stating that the contract can be terminated with 30 days notice.School board members approved the district’s recommendation, but had questions about changes administrators are making in utilizing the software. Board member Karen Johnson asked about processes for incorporating staff input in Chancery utilization, and board member Steve Glover asked whether the Tennessee Department of Education was on board with sticking with Chancery.“It is with great reservation that I support the renewal of the contract,” Antioch board member Johnson told Lott. “We don’t have a choice, based on the [information] you presented today.”Lott said there were delays in getting the contract signed, due in part to price negotiations compensating for “poor performance” in the contract’s first two years. Though the contract has not been signed, the district has a license in place authorizing program use, he said.

Some Nashville schools will test smaller class size

Smaller classes
These schools have smaller classes guaranteed by the rezoning:• Buena Vista Elementary*• Cockrill Elementary• Napier Elementary*• Park Avenue Elementary*• Shwab Elementary• Wharton Elementary• Bass Middle• John Early Middle• Pearl-Cohn High• Pearl-Cohn 9th-grade Academy
Benefit worth expense?
Many think the benefit is worth the added expense.
Alex Figg, a Nashville parent and former Metro teacher, said smaller classes allow teachers to have more control over their students. He believes offering impoverished students extra resources is a good investment, even if other schools lose out.
"I think the district is going to have to take the hit and try this to improve the results from these schools," he said. "We can't keep doing what we're doing."
Click here for news article in the Tennessean

Metro Nashville teachers get chance to boost pay

Metro Nashville teachers get chance to boost pay
Contract includes bonus pay to work at certain schools
By Jaime Sarrio • THE TENNESSEAN • June 17, 2009
Metro Nashville teachers next year will receive more pay for summer school and after-school tutoring, a chance to earn bonus pay for after-hours training and a salary boost for working in select schools.
Changes to the 2009-10 teacher contract agreement, finalized last week, give Metro's 5,000 teachers more chances to earn extra pay, but do not include across-the-board salary increases.
Erick Huth, president of the Metro Nashville Education Association, which negotiates the contract for the teachers, said a tight budget year made district-wide raises difficult.
"In the absence of having a salary increase, we have a good package that allows a teacher to make more money if he or she chooses," Huth said.
The contract increases the hourly wage for teachers who work beyond the school day from $17.61 to $25. This applies to teachers who sign up for tutoring or summer school programs.
Teachers also can earn an extra day of pay if they choose to attend training courses after school or on weekends. Previous agreements allowed teachers five training days during school hours.
Leaders believe the new contract will give teachers an incentive to stay in school and complete their training after hours, said June Keel, assistant superintendent for human resources.
"Teachers are given these professional days, and if they take them, they are away from school and have a sub," she said. "And of course we want the teacher in the school."
The contract also includes a 5 percent pay increase for schools identified in the district's rezoning plan and 10 training days for other schools deemed in need of extra resources.
Contact Jaime Sarrio at 615-726-5964 or jsarrio@tennessean.com.

More Principal changes for Metro Schools

More principal changes for Metro Schools
By Jaime Sarrio • STAFF WRITER • June 16, 2009
Metro Schools has announced more principal changes for the 2009-10 school year. The district is moving hundreds of employees out of the Central Office and back to schools, and several schools are being completely restaffed. Here's a look at the changes.
Elementary:•Stephen Caraway to Norman Binkley from Whitsitt •Michael Ross to Caldwell from Napier•Renita Perkins to Chadwell from Cumberland•Bertha Brown to Cumberland from Inglewood•Kimber Halliburton to Harpeth Valley from Bellevue Middle•Clementine Chamberlain to Inglewood from Chadwell •Debra Smith to Jones Paideia from Central Office•Dr. Carol Hammond to McGavock Elementary from Norman Binkley•Dr. Sharon Williams to Napier from McGavock Elementary•Rob Hancock to Old Center from Brookmeade, which closed at the end of the school year•Thelma Smith to Ross, from Cora Howe, which closed at the end of the school year •Pam Greer to Shayne from Jones Paideia•Dianne Gilbert will remain at Shwab, where all staff must reapply for positions.•Amelia Brown to Una from Ross •Dr. Carlos Comer to Whitsitt from Caldwell
Middle:•Dr. Kellie Hargis to Bellevue from Central Office•Dr. Sam Braden to Kennedy from Central Office•Karen Bryant to Litton from John Early•Jeanna Collins to Oliver from Ewing Park, which closed at the end of the school year•Beverly Bell, will remain at Cameron Middle, where all staff must reapply for positions.•Darwin Mason will become principal of Cohn Alternative Learning Center, as well as remaining as principal of Cohn Adult High School
The district has already announced Mary Nollner will move to Antioch Middle, Dr. Tonya Dennis will move to John Early and Dr. Nancy Meador to Madison.

6,000 free lunches feed kids during summer

6,000 free lunches feed kids during summer

It's a different kind of meals on wheels
By Jaime Sarrio • THE TENNESSEAN • June 10, 2009

Children at almost 100 camps, churches and community centers are enjoying free lunches this summer because of a grant through the Metropolitan Action Commission.

The commission is putting together and delivering some 6,000 meals a day to children in low-income neighborhoods throughout the city. The goal is to offer a balanced meal to children who may otherwise go without, said Lisa Gallon, spokeswoman for the commission.
"When school is out, there is no opportunity for children to get the meal they would typically get during the day," she said. "Also, with the economic struggles some of the families are having, this is a really needed resource."
All the meals are made in-house by a staff of 33 seasonal employees, hired to help assemble and deliver the food.
The lunches are usually fresh deli sandwiches with lettuce and tomato, a piece of fruit, juice and milk. Chicken salad is also a popular option — the commission surveys students and camp leaders at the end of the summer to get feedback on favorites.
73 percent in Metro qualify
The program is funded by a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and targets areas where more than half of neighborhood children qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches during the regular school year. In the Metro Nashville school district, almost 73 percent of students qualify.
Other Nashville-area counties are participating in the program as well. For example, Rutherford County Schools serves free breakfast and lunch to anyone under the age of 18 during June and July at seven select locations.
Any child under 18 can eat at a lunch site in Nashville also, even if he or she is not enrolled in the summer camp or program at the location. Last year, more than 170,000 lunches and 41,000 breakfasts were served, according to the commission.
At Hartman Park Community Center in North Nashville, the meals break up an otherwise busy day of sports, ballroom dance and other activities.
"It's a wonderful program," said Marquis Stephens, camp director at Hartman Park.
"We don't have to come out of pocket for expenses," he said, "and the parents don't have to worry about paying for lunch for their child."

Nashville school board gets in harmony

Nashville school board gets in harmony

Jesse Register, director of Metro schools, hugs school board member Karen Johnson of Antioch before the board's meeting Tuesday. DIPTI VAIDYA / THE TENNESSEAN

New leader, urgency to improve test scores help stop infighting
By Jaime Sarrio • THE TENNESSEAN • June 10, 2009

Faced with losing their jobs if this year's test scores don't improve, Nashville's once-divided Board of Public Education is enjoying what some call an unmatched period of productivity.

Gone are the marathon meetings, the visible disdain between board members, the public fights. In their place is a school board focused on two objectives, observers say: meeting state testing requirements and supporting new schools chief Jesse Register.
The newfound momentum is significant because it could weaken arguments to ditch the elected school board and put the mayor in charge of the district.
Metro Nashville Public Schools has failed to meet state standards for five years, giving the Department of Education partial control of the district. If the district fails to meet the mark again this year — a decision likely to come by August — the state will have the power to remove school board members. It would take legislation to give the mayor control of the schools, a leadership option popular in other failing urban districts.
That outcome looked probable last year, when the board was without a director of schools, and state officials publicly blasted board members for "sabotaging" academic intervention.
Now, the same state official who threatened to document board members' behavior praised them for recent progress.
"A light came on, and now everything is strategic," said Connie Smith, assistant commissioner of accountability for the Departmentof Education. "They're working as a cooperative body and as a team, they're communicating, and there's no hidden agenda."
'Clear agenda'
The federal No Child Left Behind Act and its sanctions for districts that repeatedly fail to meet testing standards have united boards nationwide, said Anne Bryant, executive director of the National School Boards Association. The key is not focusing so much on test scores that overall education gets ignored.
"Once you have a clear agenda, it's amazing how much a board and superintendent team can drive the right work," she said. "If you have no agenda and you're not using data, the last idea that came up is as good as the next one."
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Board Chairman David Fox said the difference has been a sense of urgency to make quick improvements. A businessman elected in 2006, Fox said it was an adjustment to work in an organization that didn't feel daily pressure to change.
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"A lot of the drama has disappeared," he said. "A high-functioning board is not in the newspaper every day."
School board members frequently made news during debate over how to draw new school attendance boundaries — an issue that illustrated their sharpest divisions.
For more than three years, the board argued the rezoning issue, along the way scrapping plans that were too controversial, holding exhaustive meetings and parting ways with former Director Pedro Garcia, who claimed he lost the board's support when he failed to push a plan he thought would racially segregate the district.
Garcia resigned. Five board members voted in favor of the plan that ultimately passed, four against.
'Common challenge'
Register, director of Metro schools since January, also is credited with improving the board's dynamic.
Three years ago, board members were ignorant of shortfalls that would land them in trouble with the state. They focused on issues related to their districts, such as naming schools and enrollment projections.
Over time, Garcia's outspoken style exasperated divisions in the board, said Pam Garrett, former board chairwoman and now executive director for the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, a nonprofit that raises money for schools.
Garrett said this is the most cohesive and functioning the board has ever been.
"They have a real common challenge, and so there's not a lot of room for personal agendas," she said. "It's a time where they have got to stay focused, and it is very good for the public to see them stay this focused."
Register is seen as a calm director who communicates with all members of the board, even those who didn't support his hiring.
"I've been pleasantly surprised," said longtime board member Ed Kindall, who did not vote to hire Register. "He does seem to reach out to all board members, and he does seem to have a keen sense of the district in terms of demographics."
But some observers are skeptical of the board's newfound cohesion.
Community activist Elois Freeman frequently attends board meetings and said she felt the discourse among previous board members was healthy.
"In a democracy you have to have that creative tension," she said. "I see a contrast, and I have observed that even with so much upheaval in the district, there's no discussion."

Board Chairman David Fox said the difference has been a sense of urgency to make quick improvements. A businessman elected in 2006, Fox said it was an adjustment to work in an organization that didn't feel daily pressure to change.

"A lot of the drama has disappeared," he said. "A high-functioning board is not in the newspaper every day."
School board members frequently made news during debate over how to draw new school attendance boundaries — an issue that illustrated their sharpest divisions.
For more than three years, the board argued the rezoning issue, along the way scrapping plans that were too controversial, holding exhaustive meetings and parting ways with former Director Pedro Garcia, who claimed he lost the board's support when he failed to push a plan he thought would racially segregate the district.
Garcia resigned. Five board members voted in favor of the plan that ultimately passed, four against.
'Common challenge'
Register, director of Metro schools since January, also is credited with improving the board's dynamic.
Three years ago, board members were ignorant of shortfalls that would land them in trouble with the state. They focused on issues related to their districts, such as naming schools and enrollment projections.
Over time, Garcia's outspoken style exasperated divisions in the board, said Pam Garrett, former board chairwoman and now executive director for the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, a nonprofit that raises money for schools.
Garrett said this is the most cohesive and functioning the board has ever been.
"They have a real common challenge, and so there's not a lot of room for personal agendas," she said. "It's a time where they have got to stay focused, and it is very good for the public to see them stay this focused."
Register is seen as a calm director who communicates with all members of the board, even those who didn't support his hiring.
"I've been pleasantly surprised," said longtime board member Ed Kindall, who did not vote to hire Register. "He does seem to reach out to all board members, and he does seem to have a keen sense of the district in terms of demographics."
But some observers are skeptical of the board's newfound cohesion.
Community activist Elois Freeman frequently attends board meetings and said she felt the discourse among previous board members was healthy.
"In a democracy you have to have that creative tension," she said. "I see a contrast, and I have observed that even with so much upheaval in the district, there's no discussion."

$3.7M to aid Nashville in reducing infant deaths. Thank you Dr. Kimberly Wyche Etheridge!

I am so proud of my friend and colleague Dr. Kimberly Wyche Etheridge. She has worked extremely hard on this issue and many people at our Metro Public Health Department are to be commended for their leadership and diligence in obtaining such a significant grant that will undoubtedly make a difference in Nashville.
I am equally excited that I and another great community leader and friend Michael Northern was able to play a part in helping get this important message out to the Nashville community as I did an interview on his show with Dr. Wyche Etheridge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAYbdtaX9Qw
Congratulations Dr. Kim, Mayor Karl Dean, Dr. Paul and the entire Metro Public Health Department.
We also thank you for your hard work in bringing to reality a much needed Health Center/Community Center in the Hickory Hollow Mall area for Southeast Davidson and for helping Southeast Davidson have their first large scale Community Wide Health Event/Fair. You recognized our need and heard our voices and made our plea a reality. Thank you.



Feds Give Grant to Combat Nashville’s Infant Mortality Rates
Tuesday, June 02nd, 2009, by Christine Buttorff
WPLN Radio

The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt Medical Center announces Class of 2013!

The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt Class of 2013

Twenty-six incoming MNPS freshmen have been selected to the School for Science and Math class of 2013, which is a collaborative project of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

The incoming freshmen for the 2009-2010 school year are:
Sarah Lindley - Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Cane Ridge HighSchool

Braxton Brakefield - J.T. Moore MIddle, Hillsboro High School

Nastassia Reed - J.T. Moore MIddle, Hillsboro High School

Melenka Reed - J.T. Moore MIddle, Hillsboro High School

Joshua Wagner - J.T. Moore MIddle, Hillsboro High School

Maximilian Carter - West End MIddle, Hillsboro High School

Ann Manning - J.T. Moore MIddle, Hillsboro High School

Jonathan Davies - Bellevue MIddle, Hillwood High School

Zachary Anderson - Croft Design Center, Hume Fogg Magnet High School

Zoe Turner-Yovanovitch - J.T. Moore MIddle, Hume Fogg Magnet HighSchool

Abhinav Goyal - Meigs Magnet Middle, Hume Fogg Magnet High School

Aditya Gudibanda - Meigs Magnet Middle, Hume Fogg Magnet High School

Havisha Munjal - Meigs Magnet Middle, Hume Fogg Magnet High School

Meera Patel - Meigs Magnet Middle, Hume Fogg Magnet High School

Jacob Seloff - University School of Nashville, Hume Fogg Magnet HighSchool

Rachel Waters - DuPont Hadley Middle, McGavock High School

Gabriel Allensworth - Head Middle, MLK Magnet High School

Melissa Guo - MLK Magnet, MLK Magnet High School

Ranine Haidous - MLK Magnet, MLK Magnet High School

Samuel Klockenkemper - MLK Magnet, MLK Magnet High School

Kerry Sommers - MLK Magnet, MLK Magnet High School

Jenny Zheng - MLK Magnet, MLK Magnet High School

Jake Williams - Croft Design Center, Overton High School

Jana Abdelhadi - Oliver Middle, Overton High School

William Cox - Croft Design Center, Overton High School

Scherly Gomez - Bailey Middle, Stratford High School
Students were selected on the basis of test scores, grades, personalessays and teacher recommendations. The top candidates wereinterviewed before the final selections were made. These students willbegin a four-year interdisciplinary, research-based program thatutilizes hands-on learning and pairs students with Vanderbiltscientists and researchers.
SSMV is a unique learning opportunity. It is designed for studentseager for an advanced, challenging curriculum that will prepare themfor 21st-century careers.
This is the School’s third year, and the science education thesestudents have experienced has risen beyond even our already highexpectations,” said Dr. Glenn McCombs, Director of the School forScience and Math at Vanderbilt. “We are proud to partner with MNPS andoffer these students an opportunity to study under aninterdisciplinary team of scientist educators and among our nation’sleading researchers. Our students learn by asking questions in aculture that reflects the collaborative spirit of exploration anddiscovery. The tools they carry forward should prove useful in anyMNPS course, college major or future profession.”
The School’s curriculum integrates the practical content, connectingvarious sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. Studentsare engaged in hands-on research projects that increase in depth overthe course of the four year program. Students are also able toparticipate in national science competitions, release journalpublications and apply their projects to community outreach programs.
Freshmen will have an orientation meeting July 30, and all studentswill report to classes at the School Aug. 24. Students will attendclasses on the Vanderbilt campus one day per week and will attendtheir regular schools the other four days of the week.
This is the third year of operation for the School for Science andMath at Vanderbilt. All 8th grade students are eligible to apply. Thisprogram is available only to students attending MNPS high schools.There is no additional cost associated with attending this school. Theschool is supported by grants and other sources outside the MNPSbudget. For more information about the school, visit www.scienceoutreach.org/school.