January2014alternativeedgefinal7

Happy New Year!

This is your January 2014 edition

of the Alternative Edge Online.

We invite you to flip the pages,

read the articles, and let us know

what you think. We want you to

enjoy the Alternative Edge Online

and to continue reading news

about the good things happening

at our schools.

Please take this opportunity to find

out about the people, places, and

things that make the Department

of Alternative Schools a success.

Dr. Joris M. Ray, Director

Department of Alternative Schools

Ebony Suggs, Editor

Renee Stewart, Ed.D.

Web Designer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CELEBRATING

January, 2014 Volume 10, Issue 2

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/newsletterapril2013

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http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/innoedgeoct2012final

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/april2012

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/jan2012

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/octobernews2011

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/newsletapril2011final

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/newsletter010311

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/newsletter10810six

http://issuu.com/innovativeedge/docs/altedgevol10is1final

http://issuu.com/reneestewart/docs/january2014alternativeedge

October, 2013 Volume 10, Issue 1

Read the good news happening at Northeast Prep Academy: January 13, 2014

October 21st September 16th

August 12th

http://issuu.com/northeastprep/docs/newsletter_jan._13

http://issuu.com/northeastprep/docs/newsletter_oct._21

http://issuu.com/northeastprep/docs/newsletter_oct._21

http://issuu.com/northeastprep/docs/newsletter_sept.16

http://issuu.com/northeastprep/docs/newsletter_sept.16

http://issuu.com/northeastprep/docs/newsletter_aug.12




Congratulations Prep Academy Graduates

~132 Graduates~

The Shelby County Schools Prep Academies Winter 2013

Graduation Ceremony was held on December 20, 2013, 6 p.m., at

the Cannon Center, 255 North Main Street. The guest speaker was

Michael Robinson from LeMoyne Owen College. One Hundred

Thirty Two 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.

These 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 SCS Prep graduates have post-secondary options, and have

been offered full scholarships to four year colleges and universities.


Congratulations Prep Academy Graduates

Graduates getting ready to walk in!

HOORAY!!!


After teaching outside of the country for seven years, Casie Jones just completed four years of teaching English at MLK Student Transition Academy. She is also a Common Core Coach for the Tennessee Department of Education and a Teach Plus alumn. Ms. Jones holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English Education from John Brown University and a Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language. As an Instructional Coach for Alternative Schools, Ms. Jones is excited to work with teachers and administrators to increase student achievement and ease the transition to Common Core Standards. Her other passion and greater privilege is being a mother to two beautiful children, a son (7) and a daughter (5).


Kendra Hargrove is an experienced educator with a strong background in curriculum, instruction and instructional coaching. She has taught elementary, middle, and secondary students as well as university and district professional development classes. Kendra also served as a district-level administrator supporting team member, professional, and organization development by offering tools and resources to help educators work toward improving student learning. She has worked as an education consultant and is the published Author of a teacher’s writing journal, A Day In The Life Of A Teacher. Kendra holds a Master of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership. Her focus is motivating students through an enjoyment and appreciation of learning while building a sense of positive self-worth essential to academic and social success.


The Adolescent Parenting Program Celebrates the Season! What a time The Adolescent Parenting Program had during our holiday season celebration! The festivities started on December 18th with a holiday program hosted by our English and Foreign Language teachers. The program included a skit, poetry, a reading, holiday songs sung by our student choir, Spanish song and dance collaboration by students, and it ended with a fun duet sang by two of our very own teachers. Fun was had by all who attended! The following day, our festivities continued with a day of pictures with Santa. The students and their children were able to take pictures with Santa. You can imagine how heart-warming this was for the staff, students and babies. Later that day, Mrs. Thomas, hosted a holiday luncheon for the staff and students. The food was delicious and the fellowship was enjoyable. Adolescent Parenting’s former principal, Ms. Dorothy Hopson, stopped by to enjoy lunch with us. Everyone was delighted to see her! During the luncheon, the students were showered with gifts by our school adopters. As you can see, our first semester ended on a joyous note!


Allstate Adopts The Adolescent Parenting Program

In November, Ms. Suggs, our school counselor, attended the district’s Adopt-A-School Volunteer Coordinators’ Training. The training was hosted by the Department of Parent and Community Engagement (PACE). It exposed us to effective strategies for recruiting, retaining, and recognizing community partners and school volunteers. One component of the workshop was a panel discussion led by community businesses. The panel shared what they are looking for in school-community partnerships. It was beneficial to learn how the school and community partnerships depend on one another. The Adolescent Parenting Program received a new school adopter, Allstate Insurance. Allstate got to work immediately with helping meet the needs of our school and students. They hosted a “needs-drive” with some of their clients in which they collected diapers, snacks, toys, formula, toiletries, and clothes for the students and their babies. They delivered these items, along with stuffed stockings, to the students during our holiday luncheon. We are indeed grateful for Allstate!


Allstate Adopts The Adolescent Parenting Program


Once a month, Summer Owens, the author of Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother, comes to The Adolescent Parenting Program to facilitate a group session with select students. During this group time, Ms. Summer Owens, Ms. Suggs (school counselor) and other school mentors from the district’s CONNECT program join together to tackle pertinent issues teen mothers face. These issues are addressed in connection with Summer’s curriculum, which she created for the book. The group sessions allow the students the freedom to ask questions and dialogue with adults, many of whom have walked the same path they are walking. Both the students and mentors gain insight from these group sessions; this is Summer’s third year hosting these sessions at The Adolescent Parenting Program.

Life After Birth Curriculum Integration Workshops with Summer Owens


Life After Birth Curriculum Integration Workshops with Summer Owens


It’s FAFSA Time! Every January college-bound seniors everywhere anticipate completing the FAFSA. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Anyone who wants financial aid for college will need to fill out the FAFSA. The application is used to determine the dollar amount a student or a student’s family will be expected to contribute towards college. FAFSA is the first step towards receiving monies for college. On Thursday, January 23rd, the seniors (along with their parents) at The Adolescent Parenting Program completed this application. Katiah Brown from Student Outreach Services by EdSouth facilitated this process with our students and parents. Now, our seniors are in line to receive financial aid for college and begin their post-secondary journey in higher education!


children for at least one year. We were nominated by Nellie Powell who works in the Department of Parent and Community Engagement for SCS. The Memphis Cares Awards Program was hosted by Janeen Gordon and Andrew Douglas from Action News 5. The dynamic speaker for the occasion was United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III. It was indeed a humbling honor for our school.

Memphis Cares Mentoring Movement is an organization that connects mentors with local youth-serving and mentoring organizations. Every year, they host an awards ceremony in which they honor both individuals and companies that have latched on to this mentoring movement. This year, the Adolescent Parenting Program received a nomination for the Ujamaa (Collective Work and Responsibility) Award. The Ujamaa Award is presented to a company/employer that has demonstrated strong commitment and made outstanding contributions through mentoring

Adolescent Parenting Receives the Ujamaa Award




Recently, local scouts completed an Eagle Scout Project at Renaissance Academy North. The scouts, under the direction or Masson Proffer, wearing blue in the photo, stripped and repainted doors in the lobby, office, and conference room to give staff, students, and visitors a cleaner and more welcoming appearance to the school. The scouts gave up two weekends to complete the project. "I am thankful for these young men and what they have done. Mason has come to several of our Jesus Loves Millington Projects with his family and in doing so he recognized the importance of the mission of our school. What we are trying to do for our students made such an impression on him that on his own he came up with a way to make a difference for our students.,” said Dave Matykiewicz, principal.

Eagle Scout Project

Mason and his fellow scouts are standing next to the office doors they painted.


Healthy Choices Week Students at Renaissance Academy North recently participated in Healthy Choices Week. Sonja Harris and Alyson Barbee coordinated the week with a focus on education and awareness. Healthy Choices Week’s purpose is to encourage students to better understand their own health and help students to make healthy choices. Over the six day event, students participated in anti-bullying activities, learned about healthy habits (like eating healthy and getting sleep), presented a lesson on peer pressure, committed to avoid drugs, dropped everything and moved (exercise), and became more aware of the risks and problems associated with AIDS and HIV.


In December, students at Renaissance Academy North participated in a Teen Summit. Organized by Alyson Barbee, guidance counselor this event allowed students to gain new perspectives on many issues they face daily. Students participated in break out sessions with groups organized by age and gender. Each group was led by speakers and experts who spoke with students about self-respect, self-esteem, and self-pride. Speakers also helped students develop an understanding and awareness of the problems and issues associated with many of the challenges they face today from technology, to drugs, and personal choices. One student shared his appreciation for the speakers “They talked with us and not at us. I understand now why this is a problem and how it could effect the rest of my life.”

T


Principal Assist Club

Here at Southeast Prep Academy, the principal, Mr. Roger Jones, has teamed with the Memphis Grizzlies Organization to provide incentives to scholars who have either made perfect attendance, has great behavior and character in and out of the classroom or has shown improvement in all academic, social and behavioral areas. For the 2nd Quarter, 20 scholars were selected by teachers to attend a Memphis Grizzlies Game. During the game, the scholars were able to experience pre game shoot around, high five players and enjoy the overall experience.


Hope Academy Career Day

Hope Academy held a Career Day that was a spectacular success. The

speakers were engaging, knowledgeable, and most important, they

enlightened the students regarding careers and life choices. The speakers

included:

Linda Carter, Director of Diversity- ServiceMaster

Lt. Major McNeal - Memphis Fire Fighter Department

Ann Dowdy, BNSF Railroad

Vondra Myers, engineer- Federal Express

Moses Mendez, Executive Chef - Regional Medical Center

James Jackson, Chef in training – Regional Medical Center


Career Day Guest Speakers


Hope East’s Career Day by Pamela Odie Fear seems to grip many individuals who walk in an incarcerated facility, whether it’s the clinking sounds of the door closing or temporarily loss of one’s freedom. There were seven talented professionals who answered the call of duty and put their fears to rest by agreeing to speak to Hope East’s students on December 4, 2013. There were no judgments, condemnations, or fear; only a willingness to encourage and remind the students that they have the opportunity to change their lives around. These are the following speakers and their messages: Mr. Powell Odie (Ms. Odie’s Twin Brother)-is a registered nurse with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He encouraged the young men to look beyond their situation and become productive members of their community. Odie explained to our students that family is the foundation for our society and that it is through education, actions, and love that this foundation will last forever.


Sam Garrett-is CEO of Madison Line Records which is a music and entertainment business. Mr. Garrett asked, “Who is the greatest basketball player in the history of the NBA?” One can imagine the various answers from Johnson, Byrd, Kobe, Randolph, Gasol, and Allen just to name a few. His answer was Michael Jordan. The reason Michael Jordan is the greatest in Garrett’s mind is because he never gave up on his dreams. “I can accept failure. But I can’t accept not trying,” Michael Jordan. Abdul Wahid Moustafs- is a Memphis musician. Moustafs explained that being a man means taking responsibility for your actions. Moustafs said that as a society we must stop making excuses about the lack of parental involvement that many of us faced growing up. It is time to take back our society by emulating positive role models such as Nobel Peace Prize Martin Luther King, Jr., Officer William Matthews, President Obama, and Officer Vincent Lottie are a few of many positive role models.


Donna Bowers is owner of Painted Planet Airspace. Music is the window to the soul and Art is the key to visual and mental expression. It is because of music and art that the people globally are able to communicate. Bowers encouraged the students to use musical and artistically methods to express their frustration instead of violence. Mary F. Cooper is a traveling nurse that has worked in various hospitals in America. She wooed the students talking about the “money” she has made being a traveling nurse. Being a nurse was her calling in life because she wanted to help people. The reason she became a traveling nurse was because of the shortage of nurses and many states advertise for nurses to come to their city and work. She again answered the call of leaving her family, but this was a great way to financially support her only daughter.


Ann Dowdy (Dr. Kimberly Dillihunt’s aunt) is a railroad engineer. She had the students speechless when she reviewed the basic qualifications. Ms. Odie considered a career change but the fear of climbing on top of a train to work is unacceptable. Dowdy explained that their felony charges will not be held against our students giving them a second chance at redemption. Dr. Tarol Clements (Special Education Advisor) is a supervisor and advocate for children within the Exceptional Education Program. She is a staunch supporter of following the federal guidelines when it comes to protecting our children. “No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure,” Emma Goldman.


Reading At Cummings Elementary L E A D E R S H I P

T EA M



T EA M



T EA M



T EA M



Students Collect TOYS FOR TOTS


Youth Congress


Youth Congress


Youth Congress


Leadership Christmas Party


Our Field Trip!

On December 19, 2013, the principal of Westhaven Success Academy,

Ms. Valerie Matthews and her staff escorted about 30 of their students

to Theatre Memphis to watch A Christmas Carol. The students were

selected on the criteria of good behavior for the second nine week

grading period. The performance was awesome along with students’

behavior. After the performance, the entire group dined at Piccadilly

for a delicious and nutritious lunch.


Gift Baskets

for the Holidays!

Every year, Westhaven

Success Academy collects

nonperishable goods to

donate to less fortunate

families in the school

community. The goods are

used to make gift baskets

with complete and balanced

meals. The families of

Alexas S. and Martaveon B.

were the recipients of this

year’s gift baskets. We

would like to thank all

students and staff for their

contributions.


Sponsored Senior for the Holidays!

The Westhaven Success Academy adopted a senior for the holidays.

Ms. Valerie Matthews and her staff of Westhaven Success Academy

showered Ms. Queen Reid with love, a little joy, and lots of holiday

goodies. Ms. Queen is an eighty-five year old senior from the Whitehaven

community who was chosen to receive a basket filled with much needed

household items such as hand soap, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. Ms.

Queen was extremely grateful for the love and gratitude displayed by

Westhaven Success Academy.


Teacher Goes to Haiti Ms. Veronica Gordon, middle school teacher at Renaissance Academy, had the pleasure and honor of going to Por-u-Prince, Haiti. Ms. Gordon calls this trip “life changing”. Ms. Gordon learned about the different sacrifices men, women, and children make everyday. This was a church mission done by Pastor, Apostle A.R. Williams of World Overcomers Outreach Ministry and other members of the church. During Ms. Gordon’s retreat she was able to participate in the Haitian culture. Ms. Gordon helped educate the students at the school, plant fresh fruits and vegetables, and participated in various outdoor activities with the children of Haiti. Ms. Gordon stated that food is not easy to come by in Haiti. “Food is extremely too high for the people to afford permission”, said Ms. Gordon. Also, Americans are not allowed to take pictures of the people or buildings without asking for permission. Ms. Gordon had to get special permission to take the following pictures. Ms. Gordon said that the overall experience was a true humble experience and gave her an informative outlook on how blessed we are as Americans.





The Missing Link is a program designed by Mrs. Seals (the Electives Teacher). Mrs. Seals designed this program to assess what the “missing” link is within youth of today. Students will participate in round table discussions and activities and dissect issues that face youth of today. Mrs. Seals states, “The focus is the whole child”. In addition, Mrs. Seals will assist students in creating reachable and realistic life and educational goals… thus creating hope for youth of today. It is Mrs. Seals goal to find the “missing” link.


Getting Empowered Renaissance Academy’s Staff will be participating in an 8-Week Challenge of “Battling the Bulge”. Each person will pay $10.00 to enter the challenge. This challenge is to motivate staff into living a more healthier and productive lifestyle. The program is for 8 weeks with Week 2 being a double point challenge. Staff will weigh his/her each Sunday and tally up all points by 9 p.m. Sunday. Also, staff can buddy up with another staff member for encouragement. Finally, the cash reward will be given to the staff member who has lost the most weight. Renaissance, Get ready to lose “THE FAT” and be more productive. Remember, “A lighter you is a better you”.


Students in Ms. Kimberly Speight’s Biology classes conducted an cumulative exploratory investigative lab on dissecting bullfrogs and grass frogs. Students used their skills of inquiry to hypothesize the sex of the frogs, compare and contrast the bullfrog and grass frog anatomy, and compare the frogs’ internal anatomy to the anatomy of a human. Students identified anatomical adaptations of the specimen for safety, environment, diet, and reproduction. Students conducted observations, described and recorded the data, analyzed data, and

diagramed and labeled their findings.

Ms. Speight’s Biology Class


Mrs. Castillo's

third block

Spanish class

celebrated

Day of the Dead

with traditional

Mexican

decorations,

dancing and food.

Day of the Dead


Mrs. Winters, Social Studies

teacher at NWPA shows her

school spirit and encourages

students not to use drugs by

participating in camouflage

day.


Honor's Program

November 5, 2013

Rev. Jason Pearson provided

words of encouragement and

advice for success.

Student receives award from Rev. Jason Pearson and Chemella Branch, Principal.


Honor's Program

November 5, 2013

Mr. Paul McKinney provided the entertainment.


Men’s Conference December 12, 2013


Graduating Seniors

In November the graduating seniors of Northwest Prep spent a day rollin’ down the river on the Memphis Queen. The students enjoyed viewing Memphis from the river. After working up an appetite on the river boat the students enjoyed lunch at Texas de Brazil. NWPA media specialist, Quanta Wyatt and world history teacher, Kerwin Thomas were awarded the Air Force Association 2014 Educator Grand. Mrs. Wyatt and Mr. Thomas are excited to use the grant for students to assemble World War I model airplanes to learn how the airplane changed warfare and the world. Students from Northwest Prep were rewarded for their good behavior with a trip to St. Louis. The students viewed the Arch and the area downtown. On the way home the students enjoyed throwing rolls at Lambert’s in Sikeston.


Outside Learning Experiences Every year Mr. White, teacher at MLK Academy, takes a group of students to Gordon’s Garage, where students observe body work being completed for cars. Mr. Gordon is a former high school dropout who did not perform well in school. However, he has been able to turn his life around by establishing his own auto body shop. Stories like this inspire students and let students know it’s not too late to turn a bad situation into a good situation. It is just a matter of making the right decisions as soon as possible.

MLK student looks on as a damaged tail gate of a truck is repaired at Gordon’s Garage.


December 11, 2013, saw the return of a long missed friend of MLK Academy: Boyz II Men! Orchestrated by Mr. Damon Friends, who was assisted by the men and women of MLK Academy, the event featured guest speaker Dr. Johnnie B. Watson, President of LeMoyne Owen College and former Superintendent of Legacy Memphis City Schools. Dr. Watson’s speech was short but to the point. His accomplishments are a testament and an

Boyz II Men…Back Again!

example to all of how racism, poverty, and disabilities cannot make you a victim if you are determined to succeed. Dr. Watson shared his personal testimony about growing up in the segregated south in poverty while suffering from a debilitating disease. Entertainment was provided by the Bloomfield Dancers of Bloomfield M. B. Church. The Trezevant High School Color Guard marched and a small meal was served to guests of honor and dignitaries.


Boyz II Men…Back Again! (continued) Tuxedos were provided to all young inductees at a discount thanks to Guy’s Tuxedo Shop. A big thanks goes out to them and all who came out and supported our program. Whether you took time from your busy schedule to let your presence be seen by our young people, cooked a dish for the small meal, performed, or spoke at this event, the staff and scholars of MLK Academy truly thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

Boyz II Men inductee Darius

Maxwell shows off his tuxedo.


Bloomfield Dancers perform.

December 2013 inductees say

their pledge.

Students light a candle as a sign of their transition

from “boys” to “men”.


Dr. Joris M. Ray gives closing remarks.

Mr. Daniel hands Boyz II Men

candidate Corey Brakefield

his certificate.


Bullying Violence Poster

MLK Scholar Dearius Kneeland poses with his anti-violence

poster. Students at MLK went all out to increase bulling

awareness. Each home room team participated in a poster

making contest. Some of the completed projects are

featured on the next page.


Bullying Tree

Team C created a Bullying Tree.

A Bullying Tree produces fruit

that causes others to be bullies,

such as low self esteem, fear of

being bullied, and anger. The

roots of the tree are what cause

the reasons other bully, such as

being abused at home, being

bullied in the past, or neglect.

This poster was drawn and colored free hand

by MLK scholar Lavonny Wright.


Here are some more posters:


Besides incidences of bullying decreasing at MLK

Academy, it seemed students also became more

helpful toward one another. Recently, a student sprang

his ankle and was unable to walk independently to get

to the office. Without even having to ask, another

student stepped up and offered to assist his classmate

to the office. The two didn’t know each other prior to

coming to MLK Academy.


More from MLK:

Students also conducted skits in which they acted out various

scenarios where students are bullied. Since the bullying poster

competition and the skit competition, bullying drastically decreased at

MLK. It not only decreased at MLK, but it also decreased in other

areas our scholars frequent. For example, it was brought to our

attention that a student from another SCS school was being bullied on

at the bus terminal and on the MATA bus by other students. It was

Markece Jerry, an MLK scholar, who defended him and protected him

from the bullies. It was by chance the staff at MLK Academy found out

about their hero. Markece has since been named the “anit-bully” and

the “bus hero.” Recently an MLK scholar lost their second MATA bus

cards. Usually when those bus cards are lost, they are not returned.

Students are usually permitted to get one replacement bus card.

Consequently, this particular student was looking at having to pay to

ride to and from school for the rest of his enrollment at MLK. Not

surprising Markece Jerry, aka “bus hero”, found the bus card and

returned it to the staff at MLK.


MLK Academy brings in many people from the community at large,

some local and some not so local, to speak with the students and

share their experiences. These individuals usually come from a

background similar to the student body at MLK Academy, who have

left the old ways behind and become successful.

Guest Speakers


Dominique Raspberry-Battles, former gang member from Gary,

Indiana, speaks to students at MLK about her turning points. Mrs.

Battles now is married with two kids, works for the coroner’s office in

Indianapolis, Indiana as a CSI investigator, and runs a funeral home

in her home town of Gary, Indiana. She and Dr. Jeffrey Taylor were

classmates at Vincennes University Junior College 25+ years ago

and continue to be friends today. Mrs. Battles was told her entire life

that she was a rape baby. Believing she was unloved, she joined a

gang in search of belonging to something meaningful and barely

graduated from high school with a 1.8 GPA.

Dominique Raspberry-Battles

Guest Speaker

MLK scholar holds a toe tag

given by Mrs. Battles.

Students were instructed to

write the things that will

stop their dreams on the

toe tag to symbolize death

to everything that will stand

between the students and

their dreams.


MLK is friends to many locals

who love and respect our

school, its’ staff, and its’ student

body. Dr. Jeffery Futrell, an ex-

gang member from Los

Angeles, California, speaks to

students about his experiences

and how he got out of a gang.

Dr. Jeffery Futrell Guest Speaker

Dr. Futrell’s turning point was the tragic death of his daughter. He

has recently published a book called Polished by Mercy, Saved by

Grace: One Man’s Journey from Darkness to Light, which will be

released in February 2014.

He now holds multiple college degrees, including a Ph.D. He

recently received the Jacqueline Kennedy-Onasis for his great

public service.

Dr. Futrell tells students every decision, good or bad, has

consequences. Dr. Futrell visits MLK Academy multiple times

throughout the year.

Dr. Futrell is the founder and director of Young Man University,

which has offices in Memphis and Atlanta. Young Man University is

about academic intervention and cultural readjustment.


Officer Jimmie Chambers

Officer Jimmie Chambers, from the Memphis District Attorney

General’s office, is another frequent guest at MLK Academy.

Officer Chambers uses humor mixed with harsh reality of

gang life to warn students who are involved in illegal gang

affiliated activities to change their course.

Officer Chambers shares the harsh realities of gang life with MLK scholars.


Raising Flu Prevention Awareness

Ms. Johnson’s Biology I and Anatomy & Physiology classes

recently created posters to raise awareness about ways to

prevent the flu. It might sound like a simple project based

learning activity, but one might be surprised how many

people aren’t aware of simple ways to prevent spreading

the flu virus. Simple techniques such as proper hand

washing can do wonders.


True to our focus and vision, the staff at MLK tries to teach lessons

that will last a life time. With that in mind, we developed Dress for

Success Wednesday. On Wednesday, all young men are required to

wear black dress pants, black belt, white button down dress shirt, and

a black tie. Young ladies are required to wear black dress slacks or

skirt of appropriate length, white blouse, and black cross tie. It is

always our hope that our young people will learn how to dress

professionally, and utilize that skill in the future. Needless to say,

many young men have learned how to tie a tie at MLK Academy.

Very often we educators instill these values and skills in our students,

but we never get to find out if the lessons remained intact after they

are no longer under our watch. However, last year we did see the

fruit of our efforts. Each year a group of students are taken to the

Freedom Awards held at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in

Christ. Young people from various high schools and colleges

throughout the city attend this event. Included in this particular group

were students from Tennessee Technology Center’s Barber School.

Two students out of the entire class were dressed in a white button

down dress shirt and black tie. Where do you think these young men

attended high school? You guessed it- MLK Academy, and get this:

the two students were not here at the same time and did not even

know each other prior to attending TTC Barber School.

Dress for Success Wednesday


Pictured above are students from MLK Academy at Temple of Deliverance

COGIC for the annual Freedom Awards with Superintendent Dorsey Hopson and teachers Mr. Smith and Mr. White.

Freedom Awards


Helping Those in Need

Every year the staff at MLK Academy pulls together to find resources to

help needy families who have children that attend MLK. This occurs

throughout the year, not just at Christmas time. The staff at MLK

Academy understands that better families, make better students. Better

students improve the future for Memphis. From food baskets, to job

placement assistance for students, to assistance with rent and utilities,

MLK connects needy families with the resources that can help them.

Principal C. R. Daniel posses with representatives from PCA with

Thanksgiving baskets donated for needy families.


Increase the Peace Week/Stop the Violence

As part of Healthy Choices Week, MLK paired with BTW and had

a friendly game of basketball. This was an opportunity for the two

groups of students to get to know each other and participate in a

group project they would all enjoy, in the name of peace and unity.

The game also gave the two groups an opportunity to practice

good sportsmanship, which is health for all.


What They Say about Us…

The staff at MLK Academy recently took a survey of both former and

present students, parents, guardians, and other stake holders to find

out what they thought of our school. This is what they said?

I want my child to remain at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy

I really feel the spirit of the staff who work here…how well connected

everyone is and how they all care about the students

Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy is the only school that can handle my

son

There should be an MLK Academy in every neighborhood in Memphis

The staff is very caring

I feel safe here, and that is a feeling I don’t have in other schools

MLK Academy is a school that produces scholars who…

My impression of this school is its truly needed in our community.

You all have the toughest jobs as you are mainly dealing with young,

black male boys whom been let down by family, friends and society.


What They Say about Us…continued

Having a school with a large majority of male presences is needed

regardless of where it is. They need the strict structure and follow-up

to ensure they are being monitored and watched so their behavior

will change some.

I like the school and the structure. John cannot survive without it

until he matures a little more.

It takes a school like MLK to be in the gap for our children.

If the current staff left that school, many boys would be in trouble.

The staff at MLK Academy tell the children the truth when they mess

up. They need to hear the truth. It will stick with them when they get

in trouble, and may be the deciding factor to help them turn their life

around.

I appreciate the staff and see you as powerful influences over at-risk

youth's lives.

I think you are a vital and necessary cornerstone in Memphis!

You are changing our future, one child at a time.


We are including the video in this issue because we did not have the photos when the last issue was published. Thanks to Faye Tolbert, Project Specialist at Southeast Prep Academy, for serving as Team Captain and emailing the pictures. Thanks to all staff, students, parents who supported the department in this community service cause. Remember, although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is over, we know there is a continuous fight for a cure. For those of you who asked about the song, it is entitled I’ll Give Your Weak My Strength by Rob Marin & Kelley Lennon.

You will be taken to another webpage when you click the image below to view the video.

http://animoto.com/play/30Yw3oo3i3LDNmsBD1BpJg


Adolescent Parenting Program

Principal’s List Jarrica Norvell Shantavia Strickland Distinguished Honor Roll

Shanice Davis Janesha George Dushana Williams Honor Roll

Jasmine Bates Shareeka Bates Victoria Booker Bobbi Casey Sharmaine Davis Cynthia Flores Montillica Jeffries Keonna Johnson Michaela Johnson Omunique Jones Niesha Lowe Pearlean Parker Falesia Toomer April Williams


Northwest Prep Academy

Honor Roll Akheem Sparkman Alexis Brooks Antonio Marshall Danterrio Pirtle Darryl Nash Desirae Horton Donnie Upchurch Dynesha Hammond Jaliyah Jefferson Jason Kigore Karion Smith Kenisha Brown Knight Jackson LaDonia Wilson Maleah Flucas Natouruis Pryor Robin Newsom Rosi G. Barreto Hernandez Tatyana Houseon Tylur Harris William Brunson Quantavia Woodard


Southwest Prep Academy

Honor Roll Tazeran Grant Shaun Murphy Jamie Merritt Erica Milon Ashley Randolph Kazia Mobley Kierra Hall Marnece Catron


Hollywood Success Academy

Honor Roll Rhaquel Franklin Brianna Hull Aliciah Young Nicholas McMillion Branard Odom Terry Austin Ariel Walker Jaylen Wilson Taniya Payne


Ida B. Wells Academy

Principal's List James, Christopher Distinguished Honor Roll Brown, Donaleya Cowan, Antoniesha Davis, Alura Edgeston, Belle Gandy, Kaylan Jones, Keranie Logan, Arian Parson, Kataya Roberts, Cornetrice Williams, Keishuna

Brim, Lorenzo

Carter, Jemeyshia Clifton, Shemary Cole, Kalandes Cornelious, Monterrio Edwards, Skylar Edwards, Wilfred Hale, DeAndra Logan, Eboni Marshall, Sydney Montgomery, Zomina Mujahid, Richea-uana

Nunn, Byron Odom, Ambra Reese, Eriel Ruffin, Allison Shipp, Lashonda Tate, Deja Taylor, Felicia White, Jayla Williams, Madison Williams, Mardisty Willis, Antwoneisha

Honor Roll


Ashford, Lawrence Bates, Derrick Benniefield, Alisicia Bridges, Jaquan Brittmon, Roydarius Brown, Jeremy Brown, Malik Clifton, Shemary Cole, Kalandes Crowley, Chelsea Davis, Kayla Dewey, Jahlin Edwards, Skylar Gandy, Kaylan

Hill, Aaliyah Hill, Anthony Jones, Keranie Karim, Jasmine Livingston, Tredeangelo Logan, Arian Logan, Eboni Marshall, Sydney McCalister, Jarvis McCalister, LaQuesha McQueen, Trakeesia Montgomery, Zomina

Odom, Ambra Parson, Kataya Reese, Erinique Smith, Aaron Tate, Deja Taylor, Felicia Veasley, Diamond Webster, Sierra Williams, Madison Williams, Mardisty Williams, Markyla

Ida B. Wells Academy


Northwest Prep Academy Ashavion Gibbs

Benjamin Mitchell Keith Warren

Hollywood Success Academy Charles fitzpatrick III

Terry Austin Jaylen Wilson

October, 2013 Volume 10, Issue 1

Next Issue: March, 2014

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