Friday, April 14, 2023

Dear MNPS & Community Member:

Several days ago, as I arrived home from work, I couldn't help but walk around barefooted on my grassy backyard to enjoy the beautiful warm spring weather with not a single cloud in the sky.

Nature was in full display, showcasing a combination of decay and life. While several of our vulnerable bushes and trees succumbed to the brutal sub-zero temperatures of early winter, the majority woke up from dormancy to delight my senses with their spectacular foliage and blossoms.

As I hear the buzzing of bees on an apple tree, I fearlessly, but cautiously, walked under its canopy to capture with my phone camera at least one bee in its pollination process, which I did and shared above. Then this thought crossed my mind, "I wonder how much more meaningful our lives could be if we had the attitude and courage of a bee, relentlessly pursuing its purpose on this earth, despite the birds, skunks, or other threats!"

Until next time!

MNPS Honors Its Teachers, Support Employees and Principals of the Year

Heavy rush-hour rains couldn’t dampen the spirit Wednesday evening at Music City Center as MNPS celebrated its Teachers of the Year, Support Employees of the Year and Principals of the Year with awards, photos, and music. More than 130 building-level Teacher of the Year winners, along with top support employees and principals, gathered with their family members, principals, and district leaders for the event.

READ MORE
Download the event program for a full list of winners, including every building-level Teacher of the Year from across the district.

MNPS Voices: Eric Bryson, Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director, Jere Baxter Middle School

Coach Eric Bryson’s goal was to work in television production, but hearing a radio advertisement from Metro Nashville Public Schools gave him a sudden change of heart.

Bryson is a long-time fan of MNPS and a second-generation teacher for the district. He currently serves as the physical education teacher, athletic director and assistant boys’ basketball coach at Jere Baxter Middle School, where he has been for the last three years. He was selected Baxter's Teacher of the Year for 2022-23.

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Ongoing and upcoming TCAP and alternative assessments for students

Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) has been the state’s testing program since 1988, and it includes TCAP assessments in math, English language arts, social studies, and science, as well as alternative assessments, like MSAA and TCAP-Alt, for students with special needs.

The TCAP spring testing schedule is as follows:

1. TCAP for grades 3-5 (paper-based) April 17 – May 2

2. TCAP for grades 6-8 and TCAP and EOC (computer-based) for high school students when they complete each of the following courses: English I or II; Algebra I or II, Geometry, U.S. History, and Biology: April 17 – May 5, 2023.

LEARN MORE

Detailed calendar for TCAP and other assessments, school year 2022-2023

Early college coming to Glencliff High!

Early College is coming to Glencliff High School! Starting in 2024-25, students will be able to earn a degree from Nashville State at the same time as they’re earning their MNPS diploma. This partnership will mean new pathways and new opportunities for students. #Better Together: MNPS and Nashville State Community College

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TODAY, APRIL 14: Deadline for rising 12th grade MNPS students to apply for work-based learning

Raising MNPS seniors must apply by today, April 14, for work-based learning jobs for next school year (2023-24). There are great opportunities, even right here in the communications office!

Benefits of work-based learning:

Earn high school credit
Earn up to 300 hours in wages at an average of $15.00 per hour
Build valuable career skills
Explore life beyond high school
Excellent way to confidently choose a college major or trade program that supports your life goals
Puts academic instruction into practice

Application links by High School

TOMORROW, April 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Invitation to MNPD community event

Download and share the flyer

Upcoming PENCIL Connect volunteering opportunities

April 17-21, 8:30-11 a.m.: TCAP Proctors - General Volunteerism @ Carter-Lawrence Elementary School
April 18, 7:30-11:30 a.m.: TNReady Testing Proctors - General Volunteerism @ Shwab Elementary
April 18-26, 7:30-11:30 a.m.: TCAP Proctoring – General Volunteerism @ Amqui Elementary
April 22, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.: Family University Community Day - April 22nd, 2023 (pick from available shifts)
April 24-26, 7:30-11:30 a.m.: TNReady Testing Proctors - General Volunteerism @ Shwab Elementary
April 26-28 (shifts available throughout the day) Arts Festival - Student Celebration @ The Harris-Hillman School
April 27, 8:15 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.: 9th Grade Professionalism Day - Student Celebration @ Hillwood High School
April 27 (weekly opportunity available) Lunch Buddies - Student Celebration @ Inglewood STEAM Magnet Elementary School
Open Call for Volunteers through May 12: Book Scanning - General Volunteerism @ Glengarry Elementary School
Open Call for Guest Speakers for Spring 2023: Industry Specific Guest Speakers for Work Based Learning Class - Student Celebration @ Stratford STEM Magnet School Upper Campus

Friday, April 21: Deadline to register for Promising Scholars summer program

DON'T MISS IT: Saturday, April 22:

Kindergarten Readiness Fair

April 22, 2-4:45 p.m.: Belmont University's Exploration Day for Hispanic Families

Belmont's Day of Exploration for Hispanic Families/Día de Exploración para familias Hispanas will contain sessions in both English and Spanish for guests to meet college faculty, staff, and current students as they learn about the academic, scholarship, and student formation opportunities that Belmont has to offer. A campus tour will also be provided. he event will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 2-4:30 p.m. on Belmont's campus!

All grade level high school students (freshmen-seniors) are welcome and may register here: https://apply.belmont.edu/register/hispanicfamilyday

Download and share the flyer

April 24-25 and May 3: Metro Arts Community Listening Sessions

Metro Arts’ upcoming listening sessions are open to artists, arts organizations, arts administrators, educators, youth and anyone who wants to share their experience as part of Nashville's arts ecosystem. Available dates are:

1. Monday, Apr 24, from 5-7 pm (in-person at East Park Community Center, includes dinner)

2. Tuesday, Apr 25, from 12-2 pm (in-person at East Park Community Center, includes lunch)

3. Wednesday, May 3, from 10-11am, virtual

Learn more and register here: www.metroartsnashville.com/listening-sessions. Flyers are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Kurdish. The registration deadline for April sessions is Thursday, Apr 20. The registration deadline for the May session is Tuesday, May 2.