By Sally Absher

Knox County Schools Summer Transfer Window Now Open

The KCS summer transfer window began Monday, May 2016 and concludes Wednesday, July 1, 2016 at 4 pm. The summer transfer window provides an opportunity for parents and/or legal guardians to request transfers for their students who meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Students who are new to KCS, including Kindergarten students;
  • Students who have had a change in family circumstances such as custody/guardianship since February 16, 2016;
  • Students with a change of address since February 16, 2016; or
  • Students seeking to transfer to a magnet program where space is available.

You can apply for transfers for you student in one of four ways:

  1. complete a transfer application form in person at 912 Gay Street, Suite 103;
  2. Fax an application to 865-594-1504;
  3. Mail an application to Supervisor of Enrollment, Knox County Schools, P.O. Box 2188, Knoxville TN 37901; or
  4. apply online at knoxschools.org.

More information on criteria and the application process can be found at knoxschools.org.

 

Hardin Valley AP US History Students Participate in Blount Scholars Program

Ms. Guy’s AP US History students at Hardin Valley Academy are partnering with the Blount Mansion for a series of hands-on experiential learning seminars in which students learn from experts in the fields of history, archaeology, and anthropology.

Ms. Guy reports, “Student participation is optional, but most of my students have been attending. Thus far, students have loved the program and look forward to it as a break in all of their studying and the related stress of AP Exams.”

Ms. Gus teaches AP US History, AP Government and Politics, US Government, and Americans at War to sophomores and juniors at HVA. Ms. Guy partnered with the Blount Mansion to create the Blount Scholars Program.

She is quoted on the Bill of Rights Institute Spotlight on Success website, “This program enables my AP History Students to engage in history in a way that is just not possible during the traditional school day with its restraints and the limitations put on us by testing and curriculum.”

 

Leadership Academy Announces 2016-2017 Cohort

The Leadership Academy, a collaborative venture between the University of Tennessee and Knox County Schools, has announced its 7th Cohort of Fellows. These individuals were introduced at the Board of Education Work Session last Monday and include:

Zachary Brewer – Technology Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPaCK) Coach at Corryton Elementary; Jennifer Garrett, TPaCK Coach at Sterchi Elementary; Jason Harris, assistant principal at A.L. Lotts; Sara Harris, Instructional Coach at Bonny Kate Elementary; Nathan Lynn, athletic director and administrative assistant, Bearden High; Binta McClendon, Early Literacy Instructional Coach at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy; Megan Miller, Numeracy Coach at Green Magnet Academy; Jennifer Morrell, seventh grade math teacher at Karnes Middle; James Slay, fifth grade teacher at Inskip Elementary; and Denise Watts, TPaCK Coach at Austin-East Magnet School.

Note that six of the 10 Cohorts for 2016-2017 are currently “coaches.” With soon-to-be former KCS Superintendent Jim McIntyre headed over to head up the Leadership Academy at UT, watch for more payback for his loyal supporters.

 

L&N STEM Academy Robotics Team Wins International Award

Students from the L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville were recognized this weekend at the FIRST® Championship in St. Louis, Missouri as the winners of the Media and Technology Innovation Award sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. Out of 3,000 FIRST® Robotics Competition teams around the world and over 180 submissions from 7 countries, the L&N STEMpunks team took home this international level award.

The award judges a team’s online presence and marketing strategy, through channels such as their website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This is the first time the team has attended the Championship. Daniel Bueckman, team captain of the L&N STEMpunks, said: “I’m so excited that our Communications team is being recognized for their hard work. We’re very grateful to Comcast NBCUniversal for bringing us to the Championships and selecting our team!”

This is the fifth competition season for the L&N STEMpunks. During this season, they were able to win the Entrepreneurship Award in March at a competition in Huntsville, Alabama and additionally competed at the local competition at Thompson-Boling Arena. The team thanks their multiple sponsors, who have provided them space, funding, and more. It would not have been possible for them to compete and win another award this season without their endless support. They are always looking for more support from the community.