STEMulating the freshman mind

A new method of learning is coming to Bartlett High School and promises success for those interested. It is called STEM and stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is geared towards incoming freshmen and hopes to bring a new way of learning into the eyes of potential students.

On March 7, a meeting was held in the Bartlett High School auditorium for those parents and students interested in learning more about STEM education. This type of learning is for those who are hard workers and like the sense of engaging in problem-based learning. Courses in the STEM program are more project-based, high technology, solving complex, real-world problems according to Vice-Principal Jane Gatewood.

“Your future is only limited by your imagination and your ability to work hard,” said principal Mac Hawkins.

A Tennessee school in Knoxville, Hardin Valley Academy, was mentioned at the STEM meeting because they have implemented the program. According to their school website, hardinvalleyac.knoxschools.org, they believe that students who love math and science, are interested in learning how the world works and is put together, and/or can’t get enough of computers and the latest techy gadgets, should be in the STEM Academy.

At Hardin Valley Academy, STEM is considered to be a school within a school but here at Bartlett High School, it is not. It is a program that is available for all those students interested in learning in a new way, but in no way does it exclude students from the entire campus of Bartlett High School.

This new program is meant to be exciting for those interested in it. As thrilling as it is, it involves hard work and a creative mind.

“If you want to find out how to make this world a better place than STEM might be a good choice for you,” said Vice- Principal Jane Gatewood.

According to the application that the incoming freshmen received, the STEM initiative will infuse rigorous course work in the academic core with innovative problem-solving in science, technology, engineering, math and other course offerings, engaging students in relevant, real-world studies. Potential students get to explore and expand how they learn by using their mind and creativity.

An open mind makes for a better learning environment, and that is just what STEM is about– being open. This program is not only limited to incoming freshman. Anyone who attends Bartlett High School is welcome to try these courses. All they would need is a little dedication and perseverance to succeed.

Walking in a winter wonderland

The weird weather patterns happening in North America have been the talk of news stations all over the world. In Mexico, a rare dusting of snow has occurred in Ciudad Juarez. In Canada, a total of more than 8 feet have covered the country in a blanket of white. And here in the United States, the southern countries are getting more snow then they have ever seen before. Mississippi has received a few inches snow and so have parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Arkansas.

Elsewhere in the rest of United States, snow has been a headache–more like a migraine. In Chicago, for the first time in 12 years, their public school system shut down because of the snow. As beautiful as the snow is, it can turn treacherous  in a matter of seconds. In New York and Boston, snow seems to be a huge problem. With up to 19 inches of snow, one can only wonder how they can drive through it –if they can at all.

So what is causing all of this snow, sleet, and rain? Some scientists have said that global warming is the cause and that the Earth is trying to cool down according to CBC News.

The winter weather had kids running around in the hallways saying that school would be closing early.  Paying attention in class was difficult as kids were intrigued by the snowflakes falling from the sky. One would think that we would be used to all this commotion by now- seeing as how we have been out of school three times due to the inclement weather. But there is something about snow that gets students in a happier mood.

Getting out of school seems to be the main reason why students and teachers like inclement weather. There is the feeling of going back home to sleep and possibly– if there is enough snow– snowball fights!

“I love snow, so snow days are great..while they last. I like getting out of school and having epic snowball fights, but I hate it when we have to go back to school or make up days. Its a love/hate relationship,” senior Emily Ward said.

Yes, school gets canceled two hours early but do we have to make this day up? “Until the window passes for snow days, the board will not make a decision until after spring break,” assistant principal Jane Gatewood said.

The possibility of snow leaves some people in awe. “I love winter and I love getting out of school early or completely off,” senior Alicia Manley said.

On Feb. 9, around  noon snow came falling from the sky. It started to pile up on the streets and impacted roadways very quickly. A total of 2-4 inches came down in the Memphis area.  Schools let out at 11:30 in preparation for the inclement weather.

If one was to look at the week of Feb.20-26 and compare it with the coming week, Feb. 28-March 5, they would notice a significant change in temperatures. With highs being in the upper 60′s for the coming week, it gives relief from the cold that was hard to bare last week.

With Spring just around the corner, it has become apparent that rain has taken over the snow. On Feb. 24, a severe thunderstorm crossed into the Mid-South area. It caused power outages and tornadoes. The storm started around 7 pm and was a fasting moving one and left the Mid-South area around 10 pm. Although it was a scary night, a clear forecast came the next day. Temperatures are in the high 60′s-70′s now but a 70% chance of rain is expected on Saturday, March 5.

Charter surrender debate continues

To agree or disagree? Memphis City Schools wants to merge with Shelby County Schools to create the sixteenth largest school system in America. For some Memphians, it has them questioning the possibilities of a mistake.

“Shelby County isn’t equipped to handle Memphis City problems,” film teacher David Kiser said.

The problems are simple. Different starting times, different salaries for teachers, and different holidays are given. One problem is taxes. How much would they increase because of this merger?

Memphis City schools are required to wear uniforms while some Shelby County schools are not. How would this problem be solved? Education standards are different for both systems.

This merger effects kids and families as well. “As a social worker, I’m all about opportunity and equality for all students. So many kids and families are experiencing social and economic hardships,” said Prevention Specialist Shanika Moore.

According to a poll conducted by Fox 13 Memphis on Jan. 20, 44% of Memphians feel as though they are not informed enough to vote on the merger, while 42% feel satisfied with the information they are given. 14% are not going to vote on the merger at all.

Some people believe that this merger will have a positive effect on students. “I think it’ll be a wonderful opportunity for all the students in Shelby County,” math teacher Robyn Maxwell said.

According to The Commercial Appeal, the Shelby County Election Commission voted Jan. 19 to put a March 8 referendum before Memphis voters on whether to dissolve Memphis City Schools. This is expected to bring large crowds of people to express their thoughts about the possibilities of a merger.

“I think it’s a premature vote. There are too many questions to be answered by officials,” English teacher Paula McCalla said.

According to The Commercial Appeal, Gov. Bill Haslam asked Memphis and Shelby County school officials on Feb.1 to submit two plans for merging the school systems — one required by state law on protecting teachers’ rights and a broader plan that Haslam says is “common sense” and a moral imperative by Feb.15. The broader merger plan is due by March 1 just days before the March 8 referendum.

The question of whether this charter is great for us lies in the hands of the courts.

“I think the charter surrender is a political hot potato and until the final outcome is decided in either the courts or in the political arena, I think Bartlett High School will continue to go forward with the excellence that we have for our students,” Vice-Principal Jane Gatewood said.

One other positive step for Bartlett High School could come from the recent rezoning process the Shelby County School Board has initiated.

How does this policy affect Bartlett High School? Bartlett would see on average about 126 more incoming freshman in regards to this rezoning proposal. It could possibly bring about more teachers, books, and desks.

“I think the rezoning proposals are all positive for Bartlett High School. Proposal B gives us more students. Proposal C gives us more students. The idea to reduce the number of students at Arlington is good for Arlington because they are massively overcrowded due to housing trends,” Vice-Principal Jane Gatewood said.

As one looks into the future, more and more children are expected to be zoned to Bartlett High, which is great news for the Home of the Panthers. This rezoning proposal would also eliminate crowding at other Shelby County schools. A decision will be made by the Shelby County School Board some time in February 2011.

Fifteen-year veteran retires

For students and staff at Bartlett High School, summer is the most anticipated time of year, but for disciplinarian Tom Person it will be a long deserved break. After 15 years of being a member of Bartlett High School’s staff, Person is retiring.

After serving at four different high schools as an English teacher, Person came to Bartlett High School.

“My first thought about Bartlett High School was that it was a terrific school,” Person said. “I’ll miss all of the staff and the students.”

Due to a health issue, Mr. Person had to retire. “I think that despite his health issues, Mr. Person has done a great job this year,” English teacher Paula McCalla said.

Person will be missed for his great hardworking and kind manner. “Mr.Person is a wonderful gentleman, and I love his sense of humor and his engaging manner,” said Vice Principal Jane Gatewood. “He is a hardworking person and a delightful individual to be around.”

As an administrator, Person handles discipline issues and bus schedules. As a discipline administrator, “he has counseled with [students] as many times as possible trying to get them to turn themselves around with their problems,” Latin teacher Blount Smith said. “I would say that he has had a good effect to those who will take advice in a positive way.”

Also, Mr. Person has always done his best to help others.

“When he was an English teacher we were rationed paper, so he would stockpile all of his paper,” Smith said. “When he moved into his administrating position, he shared his stockpiled paper, which helped all of the English teachers.”

Although Mr. Person hasn’t entirely planned on what to do during retirement, he jokingly replied when asked what he will be doing, “sleeping in.” Many staff and students will miss Person, and they will always appreciate the terrific job he has done at Bartlett High.