Compendium Digest

October 6, 2023

• Compendium Updates
• Campus News & Updates
• Extended Learning
• University Schools Athletics
• Parent Networks
• Mark your calendars!
• UofM Athletics & Events
• Tech Talks
• Helpful Links & Contact Information

Greetings University Schools,

It's finally Fall, and we are entering the second quarter! Over the last month our students have been hard at work building on skills they know, learning new things everyday, increasing stamina, being Respectful, Responsible, & Ready, and showing Tiger Pride!

The University of Memphis Homecoming parade is returning to campus with a parade route that is bigger and better than ever! Best of all, our University Schools students will have the opportunity to participate!

Save the Date: Friday, November 3rd at 4pm

If your child attends the ELRC, you will be receiving further communication directly from the school administrative team (post Fall Break) about how your family can participate in parade events.

For students at Campus School, University Middle and University High we will be sending a parent information form (post fall break) for each parent to complete that indicates your plans for parade day. So you can discuss in advance, those options will include:

• My child will be participating in the parade, and I will pick them up at their school at the conclusion of the parade (more options coming soon on parade participation plans).
• My child will remain at school to watch the parade with their classmates and I will pick them up at school at 5pm.
• My child will remain at school to watch the parade with their classmates and I will join them at 3:30pm, and assist in providing support for other students in their classroom.
• My child will opt out of all Homecoming parade festivities (☹) and I will pick my child up in the car-line for early dismissal at 1:30pm on parade day (early dismissal will not count towards attendance requirements). I understand if I do not pick my child up by 1:30pm, I may not be able to access the school once streets are closed down for parade traffic.

You do not need to communicate your plans now- discuss as a family, and we will share a link for you to indicate your preference as the date approaches! We are sharing a save the date now, so if you opt for the early dismissal option, you can plan ahead for child care and pick up plans on parade day.

Please join us for University Schools 2024-25 Enrollment Open Houses. Additional enrollment information can be found on University Schools Enrollment Webpage. Questions? Email enrollus@memphis.edu

If you have a change of email, or need an email added to any of University Schools mailing lists, please reach out to jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu.

In partnership with The University of Memphis, the Jay Uiberall Foundation is supporting the University Schools to provide a family engagement program. Through this program, all University Schools families will be invited to participate in ten engagements with University of Memphis researchers and faculty in order to learn more about specific child-related topics.

These nights will either be focused on early childhood & elementary topics (hosted at Porter-Leath University of Memphis Early Learning Academy at 2869 Park Ave) or on middle & high school topics (hosted at University Middle & University High at 330 Fogelman Drive Memphis, TN)

• Sept. 26 at 2869 Park Avenue (Porter-Leath UofM) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Supporting the growth of Neurodivergent Learners (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ODD) through School and Community Based Supports
  
• Oct. 4 at 330 Fogleman Drive (UMS & UHS) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Supporting the growth of Neurodivergent Learners (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ODD) through School and Community Based Supports
  
• Nov. 14 at 2869 Park Avenue (Porter-Leath UofM) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Understanding Secondary Post-Traumatic Stress and Strategies for Self Care during the Holiday Season
  
• Nov. 16 at 330 Fogleman Drive (UMS & UHS) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Understanding Secondary Post-Traumatic Stress and Strategies for Self Care during the Holiday Season
  
• Jan. 23 at 2869 Park Avenue (Porter-Leath UofM) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: New Year, New You! Refocusing on Nutritional Health with the Tiger Food Lab from the University of Memphis
  
• Jan. 25 at 330 Fogleman Drive (UMS & UHS) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: New Year, New You! Refocusing on Nutritional Health with the Tiger Food Lab from the University of Memphis
  
• March 26 at 2869 Park Avenue (Porter-Leath UofM) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Understanding the Individual Education Plan Process and other Resources for Learning Differences
  
• March 28 at 330 Fogleman Drive (UMS & UHS) from 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Student Belonging, Growth Mindset, and Adjusting to the Adolescent Years

Congratulations to University Schools leadership on being named Honorary Coaches at the Memphis vs. Boise football game this past Saturday! Click on the video below to see the featured highlight.

Short on time for dinner? Busy schedules keeping you from eating heathy? Check out MemphisEATS, which will be providing healthy, plant-forward meals for students, faculty, staff and the community to pre-order and purchase.

Meals feature five or more vegetables or fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. Each week features a vegetarian and meat option. Meals are one serving per container, fully cooked, perfectly portioned, ready to heat and eat!

Click here to access FREE Covid Tests this Fall.

Cars & Trucks, Oh My!

In Mrs. Anna Grace’s Reggio inspired 3-year-old classroom, the children’s interests have already begun to take flight! The children were placed in project groups based on these interests. The car & vehicle group have been learning about car carriers, how they operate, as well as fun facts about tow trucks and semi-trucks.

We decided to build a car carrier in our classroom using our tables, a ramp, and some bikes. The children also were able to look at a big rig truck up close and even get inside and honk the horn! Hands on learning takes education to the next level and helps the students to retain new information on a higher level.

ELRC & UHS Collaboration

What happens when young children and high school students come together to play? The answer is magic! University High School participated in a collaboration with Mrs. Carol's Reggio Emilia 2-year-old classroom at the Early Learning & Research Center to engage in play, fun, and joy! Our youngest Tigers quickly bonded with our oldest Tigers, as UHS students were intuitive and kind! They followed the children’s interests to dig in the sand, sing songs on the climber, and play Ring Around The Rosie. Bright eyes and wide smiles all around! The ELRC students can't wait for the next time UHS students will come back, to read books and do other activities! The children were not ready for their friends to leave—our time together exemplifies the words of Loris Malaguzzii— founder of The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Education—“Nothing Without Joy!"

Campus School Brain Units

Each grade-level at Campus School devotes time at the beginning of the year to learning about the brain. Content is scaffolded so that learning builds on itself year to year. Kindergarten explored the parts of the brain through literacy. First graders learned about the parts of the brain. Second graders learned about learning styles. Third graders examined how animal brains vary from animal to animal. Fourth grade made “brain caps” and explored in detail the functions of the parts of the brain. Fifth grade completed an analysis of the history of football helmets and engineered football helmets for eggs. Additionally, Third and fourth graders participated in a guest lecture series with University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Students convened in Ball Hall to learn from UTHSC’s Kelsey Glasper about how scientists study the brain, how animal brains compare, and how to keep brains healthy.

My Super Brain! A Sensory-Seeking STEAM Adventure: STEAM Night 2023

One of Campus School’s long-standing events is Campus School STEAM Night. At this event, local community members fill the school’s classrooms with themed events, activities, lectures, and demonstrations. This year, the theme was “My Super Brain! A Sensory-Seeking STEAM Adventure”. Vendors included Stratas Foods, Clean Memphis, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis Zoo, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, University of Memphis Department of Architecture, University of Memphis Student Academy of Audiology, University of Memphis College of Health Sciences, among others. Organized by Frances Breland, Catherine Haag, and Betsy Pillow, the event was held Thursday, September 14. The event would not have been possible without the support of the Campus School administrators, families, and the local STEAM community. The goal of STEAM Night was to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in Campus School students and families. Providing opportunities such as STEAM Night is a way to get students, families, and community partners involved in shared learning experiences.

Volleyball Game

On Thursday, September 14, Campus School students in grades 2-5 were invited to attend a Lady Tigers Volleyball Game at the Recreation Center on campus. The team played against Arizona State. The students (and teachers) had a wonderful time cheering on the Tigers. Go Tigers!

Exploring the Senses

To complement the kindergarten’s unit on the 5 senses, students were engaged with hands-on exploration to bring their learning to life. Students had the opportunity to look through microscopes with the help of the Museum of Science and History’s ‘Suitcase’ program. Then, students were treated to a “being there experience” with the University of Memphis College of Health Sciences. During this one-hour block, students rotated through a series of three lessons. In one lesson, students explored genetics and how that impacts senses. In another station, students learned about the science behind popcorn. Students used their five senses to compare a popcorn kernel to a popped piece of popcorn. Then, students had the opportunity to pick a combination of flavors to season their own serving of popcorn. Flavors included sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory). In the last station, students learned about cilantro and how some people do and don’t like it. This lesson about taste tied back into the genetics lesson at one of the other stations. Campus School’s tiniest tigers loved this exploration. Campus School is very thankful to their friends at the College of Health Sciences for making this immersive learning experience possible!

"It's Just Like Riding a Bike"

Bike riding is a key developmental milestone for children. Campus School has joined ‘All Kids Bike’ on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. Funded by a Green Fee grant through the University of Memphis and Campus School Parent Network (CSPN), Campus School has received one fleet of 24 student bikes and 24 student helmets, along with a teacher bike, teacher helmet, bike stand, and ready-to-use teaching curriculum. This project is months-in-the-making. Knowing they wanted to apply for a Green Fee grant, teachers began brainstorming where there was a “green” need in the Campus School community. Thinking about green transportation choices, Campus School P.E. Specialist. Diane Coleman and STEM/PBL Coordinator Betsy Pillow began meeting with University of Memphis Tiger Bike. From there, Campus School teachers researched bike programs and landed on the national program ‘All Kids Bike’.

This program quickly rose to the forefront as something the teachers wanted to bring to Campus School. There are many benefits to learning to ride a bike. Bike riding gets kids off screens and engaged with other kids. The All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program strived to help students develop physically and mentally, giving them greater confidence, reduce stress, and provide better focus. Campus School’s fleet of bikes arrived mid-September. In October, Campus School will host a “Bike Building Day” where members of the Campus School community along with the University of Memphis Tiger Bike community, will come together to put the student fleet together. After returning from Fall Break, kindergarten students will begin their unit in P.E. class. Currently, through All Kids Bike, there are over 1,000 schools teaching kindergarteners to ride bikes. The Campus School community is overjoyed to be able to offer every kindergarten child the opportunity to experience the joy of two wheels.

Campus School Skate Night

Campus School CSPN hosted Skate Night! This is a long-standing community-building event for Campus School students, families, and teachers.

Picnic on the Playground

Campus School Kindergarteners took to the playground to have a picnic on Friday, September 22. This culminating event was a celebration of learning about the letter “P”!

901 Day

UMS students celebrated 901 Day in true Tiger fashion - 901 rocks, 901 bracelets, & popsicles, while representing the best 901 gear! It's always a great day to be a Tiger in the 901!

Fall PBL

PBL at UMS is in full swing! This month, students have been busy launching their PBL projects! In 6th grade students learned presentation skills, designed coolers for heat transfer, and created utopian societies to showcase elements needed for civilizations to thrive.

The 7th graders worked on team building skills and problem solving by participating in a scavenger hunt and escape room. They visited the Egyptian Art Museum, and had fun learning with Bridge Builders.

In 8th grade, students kicked off their capstone projects by completing a service learning project - making 15 blankets to donate to different non-profits in Memphis! They visited the Agricenter to learn about nature and the environment, and took a nature hike to find native and non-native plants.

Service Learning

This past month UHS 10th graders participated in the first Community Service project of the year, with groups traveling to the Botanic Gardens, the ELRC, Catholic Charities, and the Tiger Garden. We look forward to our Tigers learning through service and making the world a better place!

As we head into the Fall season, we thank our teachers and partners for their hard work to make our Extended Learning Programs successful!

We are excited to share that we will implement “Final Forms” as our new registration software. We are working hard to make this transition, and this will help us to be more effective in all of our processes. During the week of October 23rd, we will send a follow-up email to all current EL students with specific instructions; please help us confirm/update your information in the software (for new EL students, you must register all the information by yourself). Detailed instructions will be provided. This will prepare everything for our Spring registration that will open on November 13th at 4 pm and close on November 27th at 8 am.

If you have any questions, please review our Fall EL Guide linked below. If you need to follow up on an invoice, here is the link for UofM Online Market Place for Campus and Middle. If you have signed up for an external program, don’t forget to contact our partner organizations!

Save The Dates!

• Dec 5th 5:30 pm - Campus School EL End of the Semester Event

• Dec 7th 4:00 pm - UHS/UMS EL End of the Semester Event

Campus Extended Learning Dismissal

Thank you for your support and patience in implementing dismissal for walkers. We believe we adapted fast, and everything is working great! This week's dismissal was done in 10 minutes!

UHS Talent Show

UHS hosted their first talent show, and who knew we had so many Tigers full of such amazing talent! Congratulations to the first place winner, the dance group Big Steppers: Kerie'a Davis, J'Leah Kirk, and Brennan Willis!

Congratulations to the these UMS student leaders on being inducted into the 2023-24 Student Leadership Council!

Congratulations to Maya Barzizza at UMS for placing 5th in the Mid-South Fair Art Contest! We are so proud you are a Tiger!

UHS Student Tigers of the Month

Old Enough to Save the Planet: Empowering Students Through Curriculum and PBLs

Tennessee Environmental Education Association’s 11th Annual Conference was hosted at Fall Creek Falls State Park September 21-24. University Schools had four teachers representing at the conference and research symposium. Campus School’s three teachers designed and presented a session. Titled “Old Enough to Save the Planet: Empowering Students Through Curriculum and PBLs”, Campus School’s Della Alles, Betsy Pillow, and Ernie Shadow took the opportunity to share with other teachers and community partners across the from the Southeast USA area. Their session highlighted the benefits of integrating environmental education into grade-level Problem Based Learning projects. Using examples from second and fourth grade PBLs, the team shared planning resources and PBL experiences. Campus School teachers were joined by University High’s Helen Stearnes. Additionally, representatives from CEASER, Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research, and other local partners such as the Museum of Science and History, Memphis Zoo, Clean Memphis, and Botanic Gardens were present at the conference representing the Memphis area. It was an inspiring and invigorating learning experience, and our teachers are empowered to continue inspiring our Tigers through environmental education.

Thank you Ms. Alles, Mrs. Pillow, Mr. Shadow, and Ms. Stearnes for representing University Schools!

Congratulations to University Schools Athletic Coordinator, Keith Loupe for becoming a published author! His work Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy was featured along Dr. Brundson, Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. This publication is a leading journal in the field of physical education and youth sport coaching and is ranked 63/269 in journals across all educational disciplines.

UMS Faculty of the Month

Ms. Jennifer Lazar - Social Studies Instructor

UHS Faculty of the Month

Ms. Victoria Jackson - Math Instructor

Go Tigers Go! It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of our Fall sports season. We have had so many new and exciting experiences over the past couple of months. Our students are winning in academics and sports! During this Fall season, we have participated in Golf, Volleyball, Cross Country, Soccer, and Tennis. Our student athletes have truly represented our Compendium of Schools with integrity. During the Winter Season we will participate in Basketball, Cheer, Bowling, and Swim!

It’s important to remember that Interscholastic Athletics play a vital role in the holistic development of our students. They contribute to physical health, character development, academic success, social and emotional growth, and community engagement. Additionally, athletics offer valuable life lessons and opportunities that extend beyond competition and practice. We applaud our student athletes and their families for supporting our athletic programs!

As we wrap up Fall sports, let’s reflect on some of our accomplishments:

UHS Golf - City and Division Champions - competing to qualify for State Championship

UHS Soccer - Inaugural season has been a great success

UHS Volleyball - Finished 3rd in the City and 4th in the District.

UHS Cross Country - Top finishes in the City; UHS runners being recognized by local and state media; Individual race wins; Based on current race times - Girls #1 Team and our Boys are #2 in the MSCIAA A-AA Division

UMS Soccer - Undefeated regular season and MSCIAA City Championship Runner Up

UMS Volleyball - Undefeated regular season and Championship Tournament qualifier

UMS Cross Country - Top team finishes in the city - Top 5 individual runner finishes; competing in the Regional meet to compete for a State Championship berth.

UMS Tennis - Very competitive season against some top-tier teams; competing in Middle School Tennis State Championships

Campus School Cross Country - Our Tiger running club continues to compete in the Memphis Youth Athletics running program. These runners are learning the fundamentals of distance running while getting the opportunity to meet and compete against runners from all over our city!

We appreciate all who lend a hand to support University Schools Athletics, especially the hard work and dedication of our coaches. Without them, none of this would be possible!

Coaches are the guiding forces behind the success of athletes and teams in sports. Their role extends beyond teaching skills and strategies; they are mentors, motivators, and leaders. Coaches instill discipline, foster teamwork, and inspire confidence in their athletes. They play a crucial role in developing character, teaching resilience, and imparting life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. Coaches have a profound impact on the personal and athletic growth of their students, making their role indispensable. Thank you coaches!

Fall Interscholastic Sports Coaching Staff

UHS

Golf: Coach Blake Spann

Volleyball: Coach Kiara Hunt Moore, Coach Jacqueline Copeland

Soccer: Coach Victoria Bentley

Cross Country: Coach Colton Cockrum, Coach Kimberly Grantham

UMS

Volleyball: Coach Susannah Whitesell

Cross Country: Coach Matthew Peters, Coach Lena McWilliams, Coach Jim Murphy

Soccer: Coach Jennifer Lazar

Campus School

Cross Country: Coach Ben Fox, Coach Brandt Pence

Introducing our Winter Interscholastic Sports Coaching Staff

UHS

Girls Varsity Basketball: Coach Cedric Lewis

Boys Varsity Basketball: Coach Donte Pryor

Cheer: Coach Kyla Davis

Bowling: Coach Victoria Bentley

Swim (Sponsors): Mrs. Lori Patterson and Mrs. Bridgette Flack

UMS

Girls Varsity Basketball: Coach Alisha Gigger

Boys Varsity Basketball: Coach Joey Patrick

Boys JV Basketball: Coach Brodrick Patton, Coach Terrence Williams

Cheer: Coach Kyla Davis

We have great parent networks for our family members to join! Our parent networks support our schools through volunteering, fundraising, and providing other supports. Reach out to them today to get involved!

ELRC: Parent Resource Page (Parent Network re-launching soon)

Campus School: Campus School Parent Network. Venmo @umcspn your gift today! Click here to subscribe to CSPN Newsletter.

University Middle: University Middle Parent Network (UMPN)

University High: Parent Resource Page Email the University High School Parent Network at UHighParentNetwork@gmail.com

• October 9-13: University Schools Fall Break (Students & Teachers Out)
  
• October 16: Teacher PD Day, Students Out

• October 17: Students Return / Q2 Begins / UHS In-house ACT Prep w/Peer Power starts

• October 17-27: Campus School Parent Teacher Conferences (In-person)

• October 18: Campus School Celebrates Unity Day/No Bullying (Students wear orange)

• October 19: Campus School Fall Fest

• October 18-20: UHS Mastery Connect exams
• October 21: Campus School Fall Beautification Day
• October 23: UHS Parent Teacher Conferences after school (in person)
• October 24: UMS PSAT for 8th graders
• October 24-26: UMS Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 27: UHS Q1 Award Ceremony / UHS Parent Teacher Conferences (via Zoom) / UMS Fall Dance / UMS Q1 Honors Assembly
• October 27: UHS PSAT for 9th graders
• October 30-Nov 3: UofM Homecoming Week
• October 31: UMS Campus Step-Up Day (Campus 5th graders at UMiddle)
• November 3: UofM Homecoming Parade 4pm

Click here to view the UofM Athletics & Events for the upcoming month. Support our Tigers, and buy tickets here!

Tech News, Information, and Support for University Schools Families

Did you know that October has been named Cybersecurity Awareness Month since 2004? Cybersecurity Awareness Month was created to help individuals protect themselves and their confidential data online. This year, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the theme “It's Easy to Stay Safe Online.” We, at University Schools take Cybersecurity into account for all our student and faculty devices, accounts, and password requirements. Here are a couple of reminders for students to help keep them safe, while online:

• Logout of your device when not in use, so your account Gmail, drive, and other Google applications stay safe.

• Protect your personal information at all times, and never share any confidential credentials with others.

• Watch for phishing emails. Phishing attacks use emails, text, and websites that appear to be from trusted organizations. Be careful when clicking on attached links sent via email. When in doubt, reach out to the organization to verify that the email came from them.

If you are interested in learning more about programs and initiatives that promote Cybersecurity

Awareness Month, click here.

National Digital Citizenship Week is October 16-20, 2023. Digital Citizenship week was created a little over 10 years ago by Common Sense Media as an outlet to promote awareness around helping children, families, and teachers navigate our 24/7 digital world. Our students at University Schools receive day to day guidance on what it means to be a responsible digital citizen by learning about protecting their digital footprint, the basics of digital communication, sourcing information, and best practices for good internet use and safety.

At the beginning of every school year, our students receive instruction on appropriate device use, according to our Acceptable Use Policy. If you are interested, head to University Schools Technology Hub to access Digital Citizenship resources available for our students.

If you are in need of a device repair, don't wait! Submit a request in person to Mrs. Hernandez during her office hours.

Helpful Links

• Bookmark the University Schools 2023-24 Calendar
• University of Memphis Volunteers Form (complete for field trips, festivals, class parties, etc.)
• Bookmark the University Schools website
• Bookmark the University Schools Technology Hub
• Bookmark the University Schools Policy Manual
• Bookmark the University Schools Student & Family Handbook
• Share the University Schools Student Enrollment 2024-25 Interest Form
• Bookmark the University Schools social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Central Team (901.678.4200)

• Dr. Sally G. Parish, Associate Vice President of Educational Initiatives sally.parish@memphis.edu
• Josh Czupryk, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer University Schools josh.czupryk@memphis.edu
• Mary Tucker, Assistant Director of Policy and Standards mhtucker@memphis.edu
• Marcos Villa, Assistant Director of Extended Learning marcos.villa@memphis.edu
• Teniesha Anderson, Assistant Director of Operations and Finance tdpender@memphis.edu
• Jessica Hernandez, Coordinator of Technology & Communication jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu
• Keith Loupe, Coordinator of Athletic Programs keith.loupe@memphis.edu
• Art Mckenzie, Coordinator of Facilities lmcknze1@memphis.edu
  
• Michael Carter, UofM Information Technology Liaison michael.carter@memphis.edu

Early Learning & Research Center (ELRC) (901.678.2120)

• Brooke Willis, Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs bwillis3@memphis.edu

Campus School (901.678.2285)

• Dr. Rebecca Scott, Executive Director rhscott@memphis.edu

University Middle (901.678.4200)

• Kerrith Griffin, Executive Director kdgriffin@memphis.edu

University High (901.678.4200)

• Dr. Kristle Hodges-Johnson, Executive Director k.hodges.johnson@memphis.edu

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