Week of October 1, 2012

Memphis City Schools to Celebrate International Walk to School Day-Nearly 600 Cordova Elementary students, parents and staff will participate in the school's "Walk Day Parade.  Memphis City Schools has partnered with the City of Memphis, Healthy Kids & Teens and Healthy Memphis Common Table to host the fourth annual "International Walk to School Day." Nearly 600 Cordova Elementary School students, parents and staff – outfitted in "Spirit Shirts" and carrying posters decorated by students – are expected to participate in this nationwide event. The "Walk Day Parade" is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3 at 7:45 a.m., and will begin at the Bert Ferguson Community Center and continue to Cordova Elementary. Upon arriving at the school, students will participate in activities and games sponsored by the Cordova Elementary PTA.

In 2011, more than 4,000 schools across the country took part in the International Walk to School Day. Walk to School Day events are designed to raise awareness of the fight against childhood obesity and promote physical activity. In addition to promoting healthy lifestyles, these events also raise awareness for the need of safe routes for student walkers and cyclists. This program builds strong connections between schools, families and the community.

For more information about International Walk to School Day, visit www.iwalktoschool.org or contact the MCS Office of Coordinated School Health at (901) 416-0408.

Brewster Elementary to Host Read for the Record Event

On Thursday, October 4, from Noon to 2:45 p.m., William H. Brewster Elementary will host a "Read for the Record" program for students. This year, more than 479 Brewster students pledged to read "Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad." Brewster's third grade students will present three performances of this year's featured book for Pre-K through first grade students on the school's outdoor stage. Kroger has also donated 25 dozen chocolate cupcakes decorated with Ladybug images for students to enjoy at the end of the program.

Two Schools Awarded BlueCross BlueShield Grants

Airways Middle and Cummings Middle School have been named the 2012 "Shape the State" grant winners by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation. Both schools will receive grants valued at $10,000 for the continued improvement of their physical education programs. The grant provides the nationally acclaimed SPARK physical education curriculum, teacher training and equipment for each recipient school.

In addition, each school will receive $1,000 for their schools nutrition and wellness programs.

Memphis City Schools to Celebrate International Walk to School Day

On Wednesday, October 3, students from Cordova Elementary and Chimneyrock Elementary Schools will take part in "International Walk to School Day." Students, parents and staff – outfitted in "Spirit Shirts" and carrying posters decorated by students – are expected to participate in this nationwide event and will host "Walk Day Parades." This program is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and help students learn how to reduce their carbon footprints.

Corodva Elementary will begin its parade at 7:45 a.m. at the Bert Ferguson Community Center and continue to Cordova Elementary School.

Chimneyrock Elementary will begin its parade at 8 a.m. at Fletcher Trace Park and continue to Chimneyrock Elementary School.

Memphis City Schools to Participate in Global Fitness Initiative 

On Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary students will take part in the ninth annual Nickelodeon "Worldwide Day of Play." This event is designed to empower students to become physically active. Hosted by the Caldwell-Guthrie Healthy School Team, students will learn healthy eating habits from MCS Nutrition Services, participate in flag football tournaments and have lunch with retired NFL player Al Smith.

For more information, contact Kendall Munson, Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary Physical Education Specialist, at (901) 830-5077.

Snowden School to Host College & Career Fair

On Thursday, October 4, from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Snowden School will host a College & Career Fair. More than 800 students in grades six through eight will meet with nearly 80 representatives from various businesses, two and four year colleges and universities in Memphis. Students will learn about the college experience and skills required to pursue careers of their interests. Parents and community leaders will also be on hand to speak with students on the importance of the career fair and opportunities in their job fields.

Week of October 8th

Family Safety Center and Sigma Nu Fraternity Present ‘Telling Amy's Story Event to include viewing of documentary, panel discussion and DV awareness expo.   To mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County will partner with the Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Rhodes College to host the viewing of the 2010 documentary "Telling Amy's Story," followed by an expert panel discussion on domestic violence issues, on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in Blount Auditorium in Buckman Hall at Rhodes College, 2000 N. Parkway.   The event, intended to raise awareness of domestic violence among college students and showcase the services available at Rhodes and FSC, will also feature a domestic violence awareness expo with information tables from various organizations from the college and from FSC partners. Additionally, there will be a pre-event meet-and-greet reception with FSC board member and District Attorney General Amy Weirich for pre-law students, beginning at 6:30 p.m.   Cumulus Media – Memphis Supports Domestic Violence Prevention.