MSE Mendenhall Updates
11 December 2020
MSE In-Person Learning Update:
A Note from Principal Jones-Wallace:
Dear MSE Families,
Time passes so quickly that we often overlook what is most important to us. In the spirit of holiday cheer, I would like to take the time to say “thank you” for sharing your most cherished blessings with us—your children. As this very challenging year draws to a close, I hope that you find time to reflect on the gifts of friendship, family, good health and happiness. I wish each of you a happy holiday and a New Year filled with peace and goodwill.
Sincerely,
Principal Jones-Wallace
Mr. Smith Offers "6th-Grade Math Saturday School" Tomorrow
I'm offering a Saturday school tomorrow, Saturday, December 12, from 10am-2pm. We'll meet in my office hours to work as a group and get caught up on all missing assignments.
The plan is to work for a couple of hours, have a lunch break and chat @12:30, then finish up between 1-2pm. Make sure you come ready to work!
My office hours, as always, are https://meet.google.com/jtn-dkjj-eys
Mr. Smith
Teacher of the Month:
MSE Mendenhall is proud to announce that December’s Teacher of the Month is Chicago native, Amanda Ehrmann. With a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University and a Master’s of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University, Ehrmann brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Memphis School of Excellence. Ehrmann joined MSE’s faculty in 2018 and has been positively impacting students and colleagues ever since.
Academic and instructional acumen, though impressive on its own, is just one aspect of Ehrmann’s dynamism. Colleagues who nominated Ehrmann for this honor also emphasized the skill and intentionality with which Ehrmann has “created a welcoming and affirming classroom culture,” and that Ehrmann has excelled when it comes to making “the 7th graders feel heard, seen, and comfortable in this strange virtual learning environment.” Another colleague remarked how “every day when I transfer my students to Ehrmann’s math class, they are excited and ready to learn.”
Ehrmann chose teaching because of a deep desire "to help students expand their potential. I know how intimidating and confusing learning new information can be. I want to help students develop a love for exploration, without necessarily knowing the answers." Though it's certain a teacher of Ehrmann's caliber would flourish in any environment, there are aspects of MSE that have made success more easily attainable. Ehrmann explains, "In 2018 I started as a long-term sub for Quarter 3; almost immediately I felt welcomed and appreciated. I am now in my third full year teaching here, and I love the freedom and opportunity I have to create my own culture. MSE values teacher and student voice and input, which is extremely important to me as an educator."
When asked to provide one piece of advice to students, Ehrmann settled upon the following: "Don't feel the need to know what you are going to do when you grow up. Right now, prioritize yourself and your individual growth"--wise words indeed.
With all the challenges facing students in the era of virtual instruction, perhaps there is no better testament to the excellence of an educator than the ability to maintain student excitement, self-esteem, motivation, and love of learning. Congratulations to Amanda Ehrmann for accomplishing all this and more! We at MSE are fortunate to count you among our number.
To the right is a pre-pandemic photo of Ehrmann's students working together to master math concepts.
Below: Ehrmann inspires 7th-grade math students to explore the real-world relevance of academic content.
Meal Pick-up Information:
Immunization Records:
Attendance Policy Reminders:
Students who accumulate a total of 10 or more absences, check-ins, or check-outs will be required to present a doctor’s note in order for any future attendance event to be considered excused.
Truancy – SCS Policy 6110:
- Students with 5 or more unexcused absences will be reported to Shelby County Pupil Services for truancy and will be reported to Juvenile Court for possible parental or guardian prosecution.
- Students with 5 or more unexcused late check-ins will also be reported for truancy.
- Students with 5 or more unexcused absences will also be required to present a doctor’s note in order to receive an excused absence.
YWCA Childcare Available at MSE Mendenhall:
The YWCA is currently offering childcare from 6AM-6PM for grades K-8 at the MSE Mendenhall Campus. Please fill out the form linked below, and the YWCA will contact you.
- Weekly fee: $100 (includes breakfast, lunch, and snack).
- Registration fee: $10 per child.
- Sibling discount: $20 - 2nd child, $10 - 3rd child or more.
- YWCA does accept Essential Worker Vouchers.
- Y-Care is independently operated by the YWCA Greater Memphis.
Contact 901-320-6021 or childcare@memphisywca.org if you have questions.
Free Tutoring Available:
Homework Hotline is Back! The number is (901) 416-1234. Call for FREE homework help over the telephone and online Monday through Thursday, 4pm – 8pm, CST.
@HomeworkHelp4TN
Remind101: A Way to Stay in Touch
Bedtime Stories with Ms. Italiano
Join Ms. Italiano for a bedtime story every Wednesday night by clicking on the link below:
https://meet.google.com/uum-sbyd-ori
This event will continue throughout winter break, so be sure to join us on December 23rd and 30th as well!
Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020, 07:45 PM
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Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in January!
Memphis School of Excellence Mendenhall
The mission of MSE is to provide a safe and collaborative environment which will cultivate the academic and social development of its students by emphasizing math, science, and technology for the purpose of students setting and meeting
higher education goals.
Email: njones@sememphis.org
Website: https://msem.sememphis.org/
Location: 4450 South Mendenhall Road, Memphis, TN, USA
Phone: (901) 367-7814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSEMiddle
Twitter: @MSEMiddle