Friday, March 3, 2023

″Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.″ —Ella Fitzgerald

Dear MNPS & Community Member:

In the unlikely event you haven't heard, last month on February 17, a high school cheerleader from Nebraska by the name of Katrina Kohel, made national and international news.

The reason for that was her bold decision to compete alone in a state competition after the three other members of her cheerleading squad quit just days before the tournament.

Undoubtedly, this young lady is the epitome of inspiration for her determination and courage to pursue a dream, when it was so easy for her to give up. Her story is touching lives everywhere. A true example for current and future generations, regardless of age.

By the way, as you may be aware, March is Women's History Month. Please join me in celebrating women everywhere for the amazing contributions they have made, and continue to make, for the betterment of our society, nation, and the world.

Until next time!

Sarai Ovalle, a member of the first graduating class at MNPS’s Cane Ridge High School in 2011 and now an English Learners teacher at Antioch Middle School, has a fascinating story of resilience as a young immigrant that contributed to her successful career in education.

At the Saturday, March 4, Hiring Fair, Metro Schools will be interviewing and hiring for teaching positions, school counselors, leadership positions, and school support roles, including para-professionals, safety ambassadors/campus support as well as transportation, maintenance and nutrition services roles.

On Monday, March 6, Metro Schools will host a second hiring fair specific for transportation roles, including bus drivers and bus monitors.

Metro Schools' educators are the highest paid in the state of Tennessee, and bus drivers start at a very competitive $22.25 an hour, with a comprehensive benefits package and retirement options. MNPS offers a minimum wage of $18 an hour for support employees with higher wages based on experience levels and job classifications.

At both events, candidates will be able to speak with both HR professionals and school principals or hiring managers about current vacancies and application processes.

Candidates can pre-register online at www.mnps.org/careers, however day-of walk-ins are also welcome.

The Metropolitan Action Commission has opened its application period for community partners and organizations interested in providing free meals to Nashville’s youth during the summer months.

During the months of June and July Metro Action provides free breakfast and lunch meals to youth programs and other gathering spots where youth are present such as apartment properties, day camps, religious based programs, community centers and sports camps. 

To apply as a summer site or for more information, representatives can visit the agency’s website (www.nashville.gov/mac) and click on “Get Free Summer Meals for Youth” or visit the agency’s main office (800 2nd Avenue, North). 

Metro Action urges all potential sites to submit their application by Friday, March 3.  For more information call 615-862-8860, Extension 70120.

Metro’s Warner Park Nature Center offers week-long day camps each summer and they still have several full-paid scholarships available for both our half-day and full-day programs. Although there are a couple of qualifications, it is a simple process to confirm need. (They must live in Davidson County and the child/household must qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program.) If needed, they even have opportunities to offer transportation.

Facebook en español: @MNPSSpanish  | Twitter en español: @MNPS_Spanish

Rubén E. De Peña

Equity & Diversity Coordinator | MNPS Communications Department

2601 Bransford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204

 629-999-7005 | ruben.depena@mnps.org | linkedin.com/in/ruben-e-depena