Superintendent’s Office Dr. Kirk Kelly

OKMS Calls on Community to Help Male Students

Orchard Knob Middle School Principal Tiffany Earvin called on men in the community to help her male students succeed at school and in life. The State of Our Boys program Friday morning drew a large crowd of students and staff, as well as community members who want to improve the lives of OKMS students. The event began with two students welcoming the crowd, in English and Spanish, followed by an explanation of the purpose of the State Of Our Boys program, a poetry reading by students, and an impassioned speech by Ms. Earvin titled 'Factor Me In.' In the discussion, she explained how some students may think they will never live to be in their 20s, or even to graduate from high school. She ended with a plea for the community to get more involved in her students' lives. That was followed by a panel discussion that brought together several community, business, and education leaders called "More Than Just A Man." Thank you Orchard Knob Middle for caring about our students!

Engage Every Child. Every Day.

Department Head News and Updates

May 19, 2017 Important Dates

May 26 Report Cards & Last Day of School

Superintendent’s Office Dr. Kirk Kelly

Campus Support Dr. Lee McDade

Chief Academic Officer Jill Levine

Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Justin Robertson

Asst. Supt. of School Operations Zac Brown

Elementary Operations Director

Karen Hollis

Elementary Operations Director

Neelie Parker

iZone Operations Director

Sheryl Randolph

Secondary Operations Director

Robert Sharpe

Secondary Operations Director

Leandrea Ware

Innovation Keri Randolph

Finance Christie Jordan

Human Resources Stacy Stewart

STEM School Oscars Celebrate Student-Made Films Lights, camera, action! The STEM School Chattanooga Oscars honored student-made films Friday morning. The films all brought a new twist to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The movies featured some spectacular student acting, props, time-lapse photography, and even animation (made up of 1,300 individual PowerPoint slides!) What if Juliet were an intergalactic space alien? What if the battle between the Montagues and Capulets was really just the card game War? Or set in the U.S. civil war? Or even an epic battle pitting cooks versus chefs, featuring weaponry made of spaghetti? Congratulations STEM School students on using an out-of-the-box approach to learning literature!

Two Hixson High School Students Headed to FBLA Nationals

Two Hixson High School students are headed to the Future Business Leaders of American National Leadership Conference in June. Jacob Newman, a senior, competed in the Sales Presentation event and Aubrey Ford, a sophomore, competed in Public Speaking at the FBLA State Leadership Conference back in April. They finished 5th and 6th respectively at the conference making them an alternate for the National Leadership Conference, of the FBLA. Due to other competitors not being able to attend they will advance to the NLC in June, which will be held in Anaheim California.

Hixson High FBLA Administrator Jill Moses said, "Both Jacob and Aubrey have worked diligently and are looking forward to this unforgettable opportunity." The FBLA website says its members demonstrate leadership skills through community service projects, fundraising activities, and chapter officer positions. Congratulations Hixson High School FBLA!

Bow Ties and Pearls at the Tea Cottage

Some fifth graders at Clifton Hills Elementary celebrated the completion of a special program called Bow Ties and Pearls this past Saturday, with a special lunch at the Tea Cottage on Hickory Valley Road. Bow Ties and Pearls taught the fifth grade students etiquette- how to sit like a lady, tie a bow tie, set a proper table, and how to engage in a conversation among other topics. The students had to complete job interviews to enroll in Bow Ties and Pearls and then had to make good grades as well as practice good behavior while enrolled in the program. Saturday morning, they got to celebrate everything they learned during the six-week course. In addition to showing polite behavior by ensuring the little gentleman helped the ladies with their seats, the students also delivered speeches about what they learned. The students referenced learning which piece of silverware to use for each dinner course, the importance of opening doors for ladies, and how to act properly during a fancy meal in a restaurant. The ladies and gentlemen from Clifton Hills also got a brand new dress or bow tie and pressed shirt for the meal. Congratulations Clifton Hills fifth graders! You are perfect examples of Bow Ties and Pearls!

Hamilton County Mechatronics Akademie at Volkswagen Gets More National Attention

EdSurge’s Fifty States Project shines the spotlight on the Hamilton County Mechatronics Akademie at Volkswagen. According to the website, the project, sponsored in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, highlights educational programs in all 50 states that celebrate the art, knowledge and best practices shared by educators across urban, suburban, and rural communities, wielding technology to make a real difference for kids—but specifically with regards to personalized learning. Mechatronics Akademie is the only educational program that is highlighted in the state of Tennessee in the Fifty States Project 2017. Read the full EdSurge article here. Congratulations Mechatronics Akademie. Now everyone across the entire country can learn about what we in Hamilton County have known all along: This program and its students are truly special.

LifeForce Lands at Red Bank Elementary School to Honor ‘Strike Out Stroke’ Poster Winner

Erlanger Medical Center and LifeForce honored the winner of the Strike Out Stroke poster contest Monday afternoon. A LifeForce helicopter landed on the lawn in front of Red Bank Elementary School. Fifth grader Zayla Smith won the hospital’s Strike Out Stroke poster contest, so LifeForce and Erlanger Stroke Center officials presented her with the award Monday afternoon. Congratulations Zayla! Way to Strike Out Stroke!

First Annual Red Bank High Drone Racing Competition a Success!

In the region’s first school-sponsored drone racing competition, Red Bank High broke new ground, as they took to the air in timed trials. While the Academic Honors Physics class initially thought only Red Bank High students would be involved, other contestants included a 6th grade student from St. Jude School and a nurse-anesthetist candidate from UTC, who discovered information about the competition, online. Though some of those contestants brought more advanced first-person drones, the day’s winner was Chandler Elias, who piloted his palm-sized Radio Shack kit-built device through the obstacle course and into glory in the shortest time around the track. Meaningful, relevant educational experiences for the community is a mainstay of Red Bank High School, so developing a Drone Racing Club as part of its Honors Physics class was novel, but not surprising. To demonstrate the relevance of the concepts, and incentivize students to apply their learning, Physics students were tasked to build drones from kits, design and construct an indoor obstacle course, as well learn piloting skills for small, unmanned aircraft. The completed course included several elevation changes, pass-through obstacles, and even a student-built catapult hurling objects into the flight path. This ambitious project not only made learning more fun, it also developed crucial skills such as Project Management, Teamwork, Event Promotion and Cooperative Competition, preparing students for employment opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. On the way to the final goal of the race, Academic Honors Physics Teacher Mary Manning focused her instruction on the laws of motion, simple machines, electricity and electronics in a series of small products and research opportunities. As a true professional learning community, students also looked to their colleagues for their expertise. Colleague Leah Keith-Houle and the students in her Geographic Information Systems (GIS) class, like senior Evan Buttram, had experience flying drones for mapping purposes and contributed their knowledge to the cause. Mr. Buttram had the honor of being the first drone pilot in the competition to complete the course. The idea was given wings one afternoon when Red Bank Alumnus and Radio Shack Assistant Manager, Sean Sewell, chatted with his former Physics teacher. He offered to be available to check the progress of those students assembling the kits, and Red Bank Radio Shack manager Edward Zackery was able to lend a significant discount on the drone kits so that more students could participate.

Student Leadership Academy of Chattanooga Students Shine Bright The students of the Student Leadership Academy of Chattanooga (SLAC) at Bess T. Shepherd and Harrison Elementary Schools are learning valuable leadership skills. Students are raising expectations by practicing skills that create a growth mindset to enhance academics and social/emotional intelligence. SLAC facilitators and student leaders hosted a Leadership Day including college and career awareness followed by a school-wide, student- led assembly. These third through fifth grade students at Shepherd and Harrison Elementary flawlessly shared presentations about their development as leaders and skills for future growth. Leaders throughout the community participated in this event from various companies such as, Volkswagen, Amazon, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Mozilla, Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga Police Department, Keller Williams, student school board member D'Andre Anderson, and Co-founder of You Matter Jasmine Ware. SLAC facilitators and staff are all proud of this experience!

Hardy Elementary Incentive Party: Upper versus Lower Grades

Woodard Family Donates $12,000 in Scholarships to OHS Students

For many students, attending college can be an overwhelming financial burden. The Woodard family of Ooltewah understands this and takes steps to help every spring. This year, the amazing supporters of Ooltewah High School students truly went above and beyond by adding an additional $10,000 in scholarships to the $2,000 given every year. OHS Principal Robin Copp was thrilled to share the good news. “Our senior class is remarkable. Every one of our seniors has worked tirelessly this year to develop a plan for their future. With so many of our students planning to attend college, I am incredibly thankful the Woodard family has stepped in to help ease the financial burden of our Ooltewah families.” Tamara Woodard spoke on behalf of the family during a press conference announcing the scholarship addition Tuesday morning. “My family is such a strong supporter of Ooltewah High School because we see the great things this school does for our community. Every student application we receive provides a shining example of OHS’s core values- diversity, trust, respect, integrity and excellence in the community. We are honored to help these students achieve success in their postsecondary paths,” Ms. Woodard said. Hamilton County Department of Education Interim Superintendent Dr. Kirk Kelly noted the fortuitous timing of the increase, as more HCDE students are now attending college. “We just saw the highest increase in college enrollment to date last year, and the class of 2017 is another amazing group of students who are future ready thanks to the amazing education they have received.” Twelve students will receive $1,000 each from the generous Woodard family scholarship gift. The scholarships are given based on need and applicant essay. “The Class of 2017 has been amazing. Our graduating seniors have bright futures ahead of them, and I know thanks to the generosity of our dedicated community we can expect greatness from them,” Ms. Copp added. “They are great examples of our mission at Ooltewah High School to develop simply the best students who are knowledgeable, compassionate, lifelong learners ready for the global society.” With this year’s donations, the Woodard family has now funded $22,000 in scholarships over the past six years. They began the scholarship fund as a way to give back to the Ooltewah community.

From STEM School Chattanooga to MIT!

STEM School Chattanooga senior Renee Schebler will be Massachusetts-bound this fall. She is the only student from Southeast Tennessee to be accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The prestigious university only accepts 1,200 students a year. STEM School Principal Dr. Tony Donen is thrilled to share the news. “Renee’s acceptance not only means she is one of the best students in the country, but that she is one of the best in the world because tech students from all over the world apply to MIT. We could not be prouder.” Hamilton County Department of Education Interim Superintendent Dr. Kirk Kelly notes Ms. Schebler’s acceptance to MIT is also a sign of the importance of STEM School Chattanooga. “The class of 2017 is only the second graduating class from STEM School. She competed against students, even here in Hamilton County, that have attended college preparatory schools with centuries-old heritages.” Ms. Schebler plans to enroll in the Electrical Engineering program at MIT. She already has shown a passion for electrical engineering and computer sciences through her coursework at STEM School Chattanooga. For her senior business project, Ms. Schebler created Arden the Programmable Bear. The school is now working to connect her with national company Build-A-Bear Workshop to get Arden in the hands of children everywhere. “Getting kids, especially girls, involved in STEM fields is a true passion of mine,” Ms. Schebler said. “This is one reason I am so proud to talk about my acceptance to MIT. I want to show the next generation of great tech minds out there that STEM is not just a boys’ club.” In addition to acceptance to MIT, the class valedictorian was offered a full scholarship to Oklahoma State. She was also selected by the Tennessee Department of Education as a nominee for the National US Presidential Scholars program. “Renee is proof you can get a great education in Hamilton County,” Dr. Donen added. “She will continue to be an inspiration to students for years to come here at STEM School.” Ms. Schebler has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover her college tuition and expenses. The goal of Get Renee to MIT! Is $5,000. At the time of this writing, she was more than 1/4th of the way there! Congratulations Miss Schebler and STEM School Chattanooga!

Hixson High School Wildcats Wrestling Team Honored by County Commission

Hamilton County Commissioners and County Mayor Jim Coppinger congratulated the Hixson High School Wildcats Wrestling Team Wednesday morning. The team members were all honored for their success in the state wrestling tournament. The Wildcats placed second in the TSSAA A-AA State Wrestling Tournament. Congratulations Wildcats!

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at North Hamilton County Elementary

North Hamilton County Elementary School held an appreciation luncheon for the school’s dedicated volunteers on Wednesday. Principal Jacquie Hauth organized the lunch as a way to say thank you to the volunteers who, in some cases, volunteer at the school several times a week. When North Hamilton Elementary was taken off the Title I list, the school lost the Title I interventionists. So Ms. Hauth reached out to area churches to find volunteers to help fill the gaps, and fill in they did! Hamilton County Commissioner Randy Fairbanks is one of North Hamilton County Elementary’s biggest supporters and volunteers, was the guest of honor and he said a few words. The lunch also featured live entertainment by the choir and desserts baked by the school’s teachers as a way to say thank-you.

Brainerd High Commencement Ceremony Tuesday Evening

Brainerd High’s Class of 2017 walked Tuesday evening at UTC’s McKenzie Arena. One-hundred and one students dressed in their blue robes and mortar boards Tuesday evening, and heard impassioned speeches by classmates, Principal Uras Agee, HCDE Innovation Zone Director Sheryl Randolph, and Interim Superintendent Dr. Kirk Kelly. Principal Agee gave a quick rundown of which students received scholarships (some for around $100,000) and recapped some of his favorite memories from the Class of 2017. Be sure to catch the special ‘Class of 2017’ newsletter in a few weeks, to honor the amazing HCDE graduates this year.

Math Relay Races on the STEM School Chattanooga Lawn Students in Orchard Knob Elementary’s Junior Beta Club got to brush up on their math skills, while enjoying the weather Tuesday morning. They took part in Math Relay Races, led by STEM School Chattanooga students. After running the relays (complete with jumping jacks and other fun tasks) the students would then have to solve a math word problem. Way to go Orchard Knob Elementary Junior Beta Club and STEM School Chattanooga!

Mechatronics Akademie Featured in Upcoming Edge Magazine Issue

Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter Mike Pare dropped by Hamilton County Mechatronics Akademie at Volkswagen to write a feature piece for the upcoming education issue of Edge Magazine.

Pare sat down with teacher Deb Weiss and four Mechatronics Akademie students to write an article about how the students have enjoyed being the Akademie’s inaugural class.

The students shared their favorite moments (which for many involves breakfast at the Volkswagen Chattanooga employee café) why they decided to enroll in the Mechatronics Akademie (including having a family member who already works at the plant) and what they hope to do once they graduate (once you become certified to work in a Volkswagen assembly plant, you can work in VW plants anywhere in the world!)

The article will appear in the July issue of Edge Magazine.

PEF Teacherpreneur Deadline Extended

Clifton Hills Art Show Thursday Evening Clifton Hills Elementary's budding artists are on display in the school gymnasium and cafeteria. The school held an art show Thursday evening. The student work was created during the special Cue the Artists nine-week-long fully interactive art unit. This was a special art unit created entirely by HCDE art teachers, and funded through a grant by the Footprint Foundation. In addition to checking out the student artwork, guests to the art show will be served lemonade by the recent Bow Ties and Pearls program graduates. Congratulations Clifton Hills!

Thanking HCDE Board Student Representative D’Andre Anderson for his Service

HCDE Interim Superintendent Dr. Kirk Kelly got the opportunity to thank Superintendent Student Advisory Council HCDE Board Student Representative D’Andre Anderson for his service this past school year during Thursday evening’s HCDE Board meeting. Anderson has attended Hamilton County Schools, and knows his experience as JROTC Battalion Command Sergeant Major taught him the lessons that made him the leader he is today. Those skills allowed him to become the class president at Central High School. He is also a gifted athlete, as he was named runner up to ‘FCA Athlete of the Year.’ Anderson will be heading to basic training with the National Guard as Chaplain Assistant. He will then start school in the fall at Austin Peay University. Congratulations and good luck with everything Mr. D’Andre Anderson. We can’t wait to see your future successes!

Thrasher Elementary PTA Fundraiser Equals Fun with Duct Tape

Since the Thrasher Elementary School PTA met its goal with the recent ‘Busy Parent Fundraiser,’ the students got to enjoy a day they likely won’t soon forget. In addition to enjoying ‘Thrasher Blue’ slushies during recess, the students got to duct-tape Assistant Principal Jeff Paulson to a wall. Watch a time-lapse of the whole duct-taping process here. What fun! Way to go Thrasher Elementary PTA and students!

HCDE in the News this Week: http://nooga.com/176073/chattanooga-senior-1-of-few-accepted-to-prestigious-university/ http://wdef.com/2017/05/15/tyner-mock-interviews/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/community/story/2017/may/17/school-merger-considered-lakeside-hillcrest-h/428197/ http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/35418307/orchard-knob-middle-examines-the-state-of-our-boys http://wdef.com/2017/05/15/life-force-pays-visit-red-bank-elementary/ http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/35465029/clifton-hills-students-get-their-first-taste-of-art