The end of February in Tennessee is often synonymous with the start of severe weather season. This year, roughly 30 Metro Schools’ transportation supervisors who serve on the district’s Inclement Weather Team will take on the task of helping keep you safe during severe weather. They will become trained SKYWARN® Spotters by the National Weather Service (more). The primary job of these volunteer spotters is to provide fast and accurate reports of severe weather in their local area. According to the NWS, the training includes:

• Basics of thunderstorm development
• Fundamentals of storm structure
• Identifying potential severe weather features
• Information to report
• How to report information
• Basic severe weather safety

The MNPS team will join nearly 290,000 other spotters nationwide in helping make local communities safer in times of severe weather.

John Early Museum Magnet Middle School students and their families attended a special workshop at the school in which they learned how to preserve, restore, and care for their family treasures. The event was hosted by Belmont Mansion and Tennessee State Museum and brought local experts to the school to teach the students and their families.

Board Member & Sports Fan Mark North

Fast Times at Stratford – Nationally Ranked Sprinter

Stratford Spartan sprinter Justin Scruggs is currently ranked second in the nation in the 60 meters.  That’s right, I said in the nation…the USA.  Justin ran the 60 meters in 6.82 seconds, earning an invitation to the 2012 New Balance Indoor Track Invitational in New York City next month.  More powerful than a locomotive, rumor has it he is also able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.  SuperSpartan!

High School Wrestling – State Championships

McGavock grappler Carlos Garcia earned his way to the finals in the state championships in Franklin last week, taking home the silver medal, the best finish of any McGavock wrestler in over 15 years.  Other top finishers in the grueling state wrestling championships were Trevion James (Antioch) and Trenton Bell (Hunters Lane).

Middle School Wrestling

Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School Bulldogs are Wrestling City Champions.  Congratulations to Itae Barretero, Anthony Bassham, Montez Booker, Troy Clay, Eric Foster, James Hughes, Latraus Perry, Darius Roberts, Gregory Smith, Dandre Whitley, Jondae Williams and Coach Gardner – the grapplin’ Bulldogs!

Watching Hoops with Dignitaries

Football coaches are a veritable fountain of knowledge and wisdom as I learned watching high school and middle school basketball games this week with Hillwood High School football coach Bubba Spears and Goodlettsville Middle School football coach David Brooks.   I even spent time in the stands visiting with some of Tennessee’s top Principals including Antioch’s Brian Mast, Hunters Lane’s Susan Kessler, Glencliff’s Clint Wilson, Hillwood’s Steve Chauncy, Overton’s Shuler Pelham, and Stratford’s Michael Steele.  Needless to say, the North Sports Report tried to be on its best behavior.

Brush with Fame

The North Sports Report ran into Whites Creek and Vanderbilt football and basketball great Jamie Graham at a basketball tournament game this week at Antioch.  After graduating from Vanderbilt, Jamie is working toward an advanced degree and playing defensive back at UCLA.   

Principal with his Grill On

When the North Sports Report saw Stratford Principal Michael Steele cooking the concessions stand cheeseburgers as Stratford hosted tournament games this week, I immediately ordered The Principal Combo…cheeseburger, chips, and a Diet Coke.  Just so you know – that is the North Sports Report’s idea of fine dining.

District Champs…Hoops

Congratulations to District Champions Hunters Lane Warriors, Overton Lady Bobcats and Hillsboro Lady Burros!

Advancing to represent MNPS in the regional tournaments in Girls’ Basketball are: MLK Lady Royals; Hume Fogg Lady Blue Knights; Overton Lady Bobcats; Hillsboro Lady Burros; Hunters Lane Lady Warriors; Antioch Lady Bears; and Cane Ridge Lady Ravens.

In Boys Basketball, those teams advancing are: Hunters Lane Warriors; East Literature Eagles; Antioch Bears; Hillsboro Burros; Maplewood Panthers; McGavock Raiders; and Cane Ridge Ravens. 

Field of Dreams

Stratford’s football field was featured on a recent episode of “The Bachelor” as one of the reality show’s contestants impressed everyone with her relation (granddaughter) to the field’s namesake – MNPS Sports Hall of Fame member and local sports legend Harold “Buster” Boguskie.  Even during tournament time, the North Sports Report is never too busy to catch an episode of “The Bachelor.”   What?...

MNPS: The First Choice for Local Sports Legends

Tylar Smith, a junior at Nashville School of the Arts, has been accepted to the highly acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Summer Intensive Program. She will spend six weeks in New York, training with the Professional Dance Division. While in New York, Tylar will have the opportunity to study under world-renowned choreographers and instructors.  She will be staying at Fordham University's McMahon Hall. Coincidentally, Fordham is one of Tylar’s top choices for universities, in which she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dance. According to those close to Tylar, the acceptance into the program is a dream come true. She has long been inspired by Alvin Ailey and is excited about this opportunity! Tylar is also very appreciative to the dance instructors at NSA.

The Alvin Ailey summer program is designed for students ages 16 - 25 who have had a minimum of three years of consistent training and is structured to advance the technical skills of dancers in a wide variety of techniques. 

Thirty Maplewood High School Air Force JROTC Cadets and FBLA students participated in the 11th Annual Education Equal Opportunity Group Save-A-Student Leadership and Training Conference. Held in Nashville at the War Auditorium and Legislative Plaza, this year’s theme was "LEAD Where You Are; Re-Think the Possibilities!"

Students participated in a collaborative effort to nurture practical and real-life learning opportunities that will increase retention and graduation rates among Tennessee students. Maplewood students participated in innovative sessions featuring high-powered speakers, a tour of Fisk University, and a viewing of the new movie Red Tails, the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.

During the conference, several of the students also enjoyed a meet-and-greet with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. Those selected to attend the meeting have exhibited true leadership skills throughout their time at Maplewood. Air Force JROTC Cadet Alejandro Villacorta was selected to present an appreciation plaque to Rick Drelling, Dollar General CEO. Cadets also met the Honorable John DeBerry, Jr., and the President of Fisk University.  As if all that weren't enough, cadets Stephen Pack, Jeffrey Dartis, and Tony Keoudomxay were selected to participate in videos for future EEOG Conferences. Congrats!

Wednesday, Feb. 15, Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley made a special appearance at McKissack Middle School! Ms. Hatley, a native of West Tennessee and student at the University of Memphis, placed 10th in the 2012 Miss America pageant this past January and travels around the state as the Governor’s Ambassador for the Character Education trait of Citizenship. McKissack Student Council sponsor Ms. Jacklene Robinson invited the reigning Miss Tennessee to speak with students on topics such as making and reaching goals, bullying, and volunteering to build self-esteem. McKissack’s student council officers sat on the panel with Miss Tennessee and escorted her on a tour around the school. The highlight of the show was Miss Tennessee singing a portion of the song she sang in the Miss America pageant, and a short rendition of the late Whitney Houston’s, “I Will Always Love You.” The students left the assembly with great ideas for how they can help their communities, and also received signed autographs from Miss Tennessee.

Friday, March 9, MTA will offer free and unlimited rides all day! “Fareless Friday,” as it’s been dubbed by transportation officials is the brainchild of Mayor Dean. The goal is to encourage people who do not currently ride the bus to give it a try. MTA also hopes to use the day to show appreciation to current riders.To check out the full list of routes available, click here.

Key to a good education is finding a school that best fits your child's learning style and interests. From STEM-centric programs to hospitality- or communications-based Academies, Metro Schools is proud to offer a variety of choices when it comes to selecting a school. The district also offers non-traditional learning environments, virtual programs, and highly advanced academic programs such as the International Baccalaureate Programme.

Starting March 1, at 6:30 a.m., families will be able to apply for one of roughly 40 schools offered in the Spring Application window. These are schools that have a zoned population but have unfilled seats. The selection process is first come, first serve, and families must be able to provide transportation to and from the school selected.

To help you explore your options, MNPS is hosting a Spring Application Kick-Off Event, Thursday, March 1, from 5 - 7 p.m., at Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School, 2000 Greenwood Ave. Guests will be able to speak with various school and district representatives to learn more about the schools and programs available, as well as how to apply.

The application process is online, but families can also submit a paper application to MNPS Customer Service, located at 2601 Bransford Ave.

Click here to learn more about Spring Application.

Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School is hosting a community blood drive. Check out the flyer below for details.

Brenda Dann-Messier was in Nashville to see first hand how Hillwood High School exemplifies the important of career academies and their place in advancing American Education.



Dann-Messier is the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education. She toured Hillwood's Academy of Health Science with students, Dr. Jesse Register, and Associate Superintendent of High Schools Jay Steele.



After the tour, she moderated a panel discussion on the importance of career academies in offering students academically rigorous curricula. She also hosted a roundtable with students and parents.

VIEW Photos from the Assistant Secretary's Visit to Hillwood

Donald Davis, master storyteller, will be visiting J. T. Moore Middle School Tuesday, Feb. 28. There will be a community event at 7 p.m., in the Moore library. The event is sponsored by the PTO and is free for everyone to enjoy.  

Third and fourth grade students attending Cole Elementary in Antioch, Tn., and Kirkpatrick Enhanced Option in Nashville, recently proved that elementary students have what it takes to debate! Saturday, Jan. 28, both schools met to debate five topics on the campus of Vanderbilt University.  Under the guidance of their teachers, who served as debate team coaches, these newly inspired debaters argued the following issues:

• elementary children should not be allowed to watch tv,


• elementary children should not be allowed to carry cell phones on campus, 


• public schools should not mandate school uniforms,


• schools should implement year-round schools, and


• states should not set age 12 as the legal age restriction for latch-key kids.

These young debaters have worked on learning the rules, researching their topics, and practicing speaking in public since late September and early October.  Each school set its own practice schedule.  Kirkpatrick students meet once a week after school, while Cole students meet twice a month on a Saturday.  The commitment shown by the children has been an inspiration to the coaches and volunteers that are guiding them.

A crowd of about 50 families, friends and teachers from each school gathered to watch the first debate.  Kirkpatrick won three of the five arguments of this inaugural event.  The next meeting between these two elementary schools will be on April 28 on the campus of Vanderbilt University.

Ten Metro Nashville Public Schools’ students are preparing for the trip of a lifetime. The group has been invited to participate in an annual program, “In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues,” that will include music greats Mick Jagger, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Keb Mo, Gary Clarke Jr., and Trombone Shorty. The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 2:30 p.m. CST, in the East Room at the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama will be in attendance.



MNPS students selected to attend include:



Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School

• Dominique Y. Trotter


• Chelsea D. Byrd


• Leona L. Turner

• Kaitlyn E. Edwards Edwardo Alegria

• Aaron Bell


• Brittany Edwards


• Austin Valentine

• Maria C. Artavia


• James C. Johnson

These students, along with peers from around the country, will participate in an educational session focusing on Blues in America. The session, “At the Crossroads: A History of the Blues in America,” will be taught by GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli. Students will first hear about the history of the Blues and then participate in a panel discussion with the featured artists.



During the trip, the students will interview the event production team, meet with Congressional leaders, and tour the Museum of American History, the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Michelle Wilcox, Lead Principal, MNPS District Office, Robert “Principal Bob” Wilson, from Nashville School of the Arts and Kim Johnson, Director of General Administration with NMAAM, will chaperone.



The educational session and performances will be streamed live on the White House website for schools around the country to observe. It will also air on Nashville Public Television Monday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. CST.

Spring Gateway Testing is almost here. For high school students who will be taking Gateway Tests, the first opportunity to take them starts on Monday, February 20.



Students who started high school prior to the 2009-10 school year will take Gateway Tests. If you are unsure if you are supposed to take Gateway Tests, ask your school counselor.



Not all schools will give Gateway tests during this time. There are three possible times during the spring when a school may administer the Gateway Test.



To find out when your school will be giving Gateway Tests, ask your school counselor. A full schedule of all testing windows is available below.





February Test Administration Window:  February 20- 24

March Test Administration Window:  March 19-23

April Test Administration Window:  April 23-27

Approximately 190 pieces of art created by children in 24 after school programs, including many in Metro Schools, is currently on exhibit at the Tennessee Art League, located at 808 Broadway. The student artwork was created through various programs including YMCA Fun Company, Martha O’Bryan Center and NAZA.

artEMBRACE is a unique art enrichment program that serves children in 140+ after school sites throughout five counties in Middle Tennessee.  The organization hires local, professional artists who have prior teaching experience to go to assigned schools and teach a wide variety of art forms in both the visual and performing arts.  The majority of the sessions are 4-8 weeks in the spring and fall with a few sites receiving special workshops known as “Art Bytes.” All sessions are offered free of charge.

The artEMBRACE exhibit can be viewed through Feb. 29.

Tuesday, Feb 7, Rocky, a student at Hillsboro High, took the stage for the first time as a solo artist! Rocky performed at the 16-year anniversary celebration of the Billy Block Show. He was backed up by his brother Grady, on drums and keys; Jamie M., son of hit singer/songwriter Pat McLaughlin; and Anthony R.  

Rocky was born "live on the air" 15 years ago when the Billy Block show aired on Lightening 100.

The Glencliff Cluster will soon host a special forum Bringing Justice to YOU. This district-wide event will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 at Glencliff High School.

Guest speakers will be Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry and Public Defender Dawn Deaner. This is a FREE and open to the public event.

Two MNPS students recently spent a week in Caen, France as Nashville Ambassadors for the city's International Week! Audrey Y., a sophomore at Nashville School of the Arts, and Milly B., a senior at Hume-Fogg High School, were chosen as ambassadors after writing an essay application and interviewing in French. During their trip, they had a chance to visit Paris, were interviewed by a video crew in Caen for International Week, and got to enhance their knowledge of the French language and culture.   

Sister Cities of Nashville is a not-for-profit whose mission is to connect the people of Nashville to people of the world, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. Caen has been an active sister city to Nashville since 1990 and invited all its sister city partners around the world to send two high school delegates for a four-day workshop and international fair. 

Saturday, Feb. 4, the YMCA Latino Achievers Club at Antioch High School hosted its second annual ACT preparation workshop, welcoming 25 Antioch students as well as 15 students from Glencliff, Overton, Cane Ridge, and Nashville School of the Arts.  More than two dozen college students from Vanderbilt University and other local universities volunteered their time and expertise for the workshop, providing one-on-one and two-on-one tutoring in five break-out sessions for each of the ACT subject areas (mathematics, reading, science, and English) as well as a session on study skills. Students left with the practical skills and confidence they need to be successful taking the ACT. 

See what's going on inside MNPS Coordinated School Health!

Katerine H., a student in the Academy of Hospitality and Marketing at Glencliff High School, made quite a name for herself in the recently held Jefferson Scholarship competition. From an initial pool of more than 20 applicants, Katy is one of just seven who earned a second interview with the Middle Tennessee Selection Committee.  Her second interview took place Saturday, Jan. 28. 

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia awards roughly 30 full merit-based scholarships to students throughout the country and abroad. Nominees are selected because they epitomize the qualities of citizenship, scholarship, and leadership - these envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, founder of  the University, when he considered the makeup of the ideal student at Virginia.    

According to administrators at Glencliff, this is a remarkable achievement and a rigorous process.  Through it Katy has conducted herself with grace, confidence and poise, in a manner befitting her family, her community, her classmates and her teachers. She is deserving of this honor, and her Glencliff family could not be more proud. Congratulations!

A Whites Creek High School Public Service Academy student is working to make the community cleaner and healthier. Now his work has landed him a spotlight in Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies newsletter. To read more about the senior's efforts to recruit students to his cause and start a Sierra Club, click here.

Hillsboro High School is hosting an open house for all rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders (and their parents) interested in learning more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school's Academy of IBDP is an elite college preparatory program. Check out the flyer for details.

The Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Bus (eBus) is rolling to a stop at Sam Levy Community Center Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The entire Nashville community is invited to drop by and receive financial tips and guidance. Sam Levy is located at 302 Foster Street. Check out the flyer below for more information.