Compendium Digest

May 26, 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 families, faculty, staff, and partners-

As we reflect on another successful school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the many contributions of our school community. As they say- the days are long, but the years are short. Thank you for sharing your time with us this year and for choosing University Schools.

We saw record enrollment across our University Schools. We served children in every zip code of Shelby County, and maintained a high quality and innovative educational environment for all children- with no academic requirement for entry.

We opened new school doors, celebrating our founding year of University High School, and the first full school year of our new Porter Leath (PLUM) University of Memphis Early Childhood Academy in Orange Mound.

We saw rapid expansion of our athletic and extended learning programs- serving over 400 children in programs that provide a well-rounded educational experience and received a national grant for the expansion of girls sports.

Our teachers and students were recognized locally and nationally for their amazing contributions bringing home honors in athletics, the arts, and academics.

We opened our renovated Media Center at Campus School and welcomed the return of PE Demo Night and the launch of new programs like our STEAM Ambassadors and “A Taste of Campus School.”

We welcomed school leaders from all across the globe into our laboratory learning environments and presented in state and local convenings about the best practices modeled in our buildings.

We trained 13 new teachers, and teacher interns and supported over 11 faculty led research projects across our schools.

University Middle received a prestigious STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) designation from the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network- honoring their commitment to project based learning and innovative, student-focused teaching and learning.

University Middle and University High were both recognized as Innovative School Models by the Tennessee Department of Education for the innovative educational practices they engage across their schools each day.

And while all of these are truly accomplishments to be celebrated, the most impactful work we did this year happened in classrooms and conversations with our students. It happened when our kids stretched just a little bit further, laughed a little bit louder, tried a little bit harder, or put themselves out there a little bit more. Our most impactful work happened when a child grew more confident, felt more important, and knew they mattered. The most magical work happened when that child helped another child to do the same. And while we are proud of our academic data across our schools, our worth is not in our test scores, but in how we help others to grow into the best versions of themselves.

To our faculty and staff- thank you for your continued investment and care for the children in our schools. We are so very fortunate that of all of the places you could have chosen to share your talents, that you chose our schools. To our families, thank you for your partnership and for trusting us with your greatest gift. To our campus and community partners, thank you for investing in the innovative education we provide across our schools. And lastly, to our students- thank you for being you, for always striving for your personal best, and for being the future leaders of our community. You are our greatest joy and our greatest treasure. We love and celebrate you, each and every day.

Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to your return in August!

Dr. Sally G. Parish

Associate Vice President, Educational Initiatives

We are so proud of our third graders for their AMAZING performance on TNReady testing this year! Check out these highlights!

University Middle School

Congratulations to our very own University Middle School for being recognized as one of Tennessee’s STE(A)M Designated schools. Of Tennessee’s 1,843 schools, UMS is now one of 114 schools with this designation. The application process to receive this honor from the Tennessee Stem Innovation Network was a lengthy and involved process lasting almost a year. It is the culmination of the PBL work middle students have done since 2019. You can find the official press release here. The banner (pictured right) now hangs in the Orgel Educational Center foyer, and we couldn’t be more excited! Thank you to all of our parents and community for supporting our students through the PBL process!

Construction on the 4th floor of Orgel Educational Center is in the works. Check out the progress!

The last day of school is today, Friday, May 26, 2023. This will be an abbreviated day. We will dismiss at 11:15am at Campus School, 11:30am at UMS & UHS, and 12pm for the ELRC.

As we close out the 2022-23 school year, we want to hear from you! We have designed our End of Year Survey for Families to collect qualitative and quantitative information our school teams can use to inform their plans for the 2023-24 school year.

Last Week, Dr. Sally Parish and our school directors hosted a Virtual Safety Lunch and Learn. If you did not have the opportunity to attend this event, you may see the PowerPoint presentation here. We will continue to inform the broader ELRC, Campus School, UMS, and UHS community as we progress on these projects.

Thank you for partnering with University Schools to keep our youngest Tigers safe.

The UofM is offering a wide array of summer programs across campus, for children of all ages.

Click here for more information.

ELRC: A Woolner Legacy

As a part of Teacher’s Appreciation Week, the ELRC’s Office Coordinator Britanny Zambrano premiered her documentary to the ELRC staff and students. This viewing was a special opportunity for the ELRC to not only see themselves on the big screen but to also learn more about the school’s unique history. The documentary ELRC: A Woolner Legacy highlights the work of Rosestelle Woolner, the ELRC’s first Executive Director. Woolner advocated for early childhood play-based curriculum, and the ELRC works hard to continue her legacy.

‘Be Smarter- Use Less Water!’

Mrs. Pillow, Campus School STEM/PBL Coordinator & The 3rd Grade Team

May 5, 2023

Third grade students took to the curb to protest! On Wednesday morning at student drop off, third grade students lined half circle drive chanting “be smarter- use less water!” along with their families, classmates, and teachers. Students and teachers from other grades joined in, too!

During their quarter four PBL, students dived deep into issues regarding water access and pollution. This protest was a culminating event. Students held hand-crafted signs and posters. Memphis Aquifer had representatives present. This was a wonderful community-building event, and we are so thankful for all of the work that went into making it such a powerful morning. Our Tigers are world changers, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Taste of Campus School

Ms. Friedman, 1st grade

On one Thursday evening in May, families had the special opportunity to share their cultures with the Campus School community. Volunteers brought food artifacts from their cultures and set up stations in the Campus School Playroom. Attendees got to walk around and experience all of the cultures from Campus School! Visitors were able to taste foods from different countries, learn how to speak different languages, and took home goodies such as bookmarks and information pages. All of the stations were so purposeful, passionate, and detailed.

The diversity committee would like to thank all of the families who participated. The event had participants from Uzbekistan, Vietnam, China, Chile, Cincinnati, Ecuador, Honduras, Armenia, Mexico, Korea, India, Nashville, and special crafts and wreaths. There were also tri-fold boards representing other cultures. There were so many helping hands who helped make sure everything was celebrated and taken care of, and the committee is so thankful for everyone who helped with this event! This was a special way to celebrate how unique our school is, and the Diversity committee is already excited for next year!

Campus School Art Show

Mrs. Ardrey, Campus School Art

In art class, this year’s focus was “Exploring Art History." Students began with a study of cave paintings and ancient art, soared through the medieval and renaissance time periods, discovered many “Isms” (such as Impressionism and Surrealism to name a few), created fabulous Pop Art and ended the year with Contemporary Installation Art! At the end of the year, Mrs. Ardrey hosts an art show. During the art show, each student has the opportunity to choose one favorite art piece from the school year to have on display.

Students were also represented in two other art pieces or collaborations. Kindergarten completed a germ unit with Mrs. Pillow and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Students analyzed tools that are used in science and in art, identified common germs through a watercolor resist STEAM lesson, and searched the school for germs by completing a germ swab experiment. Last, students created hypotheses and art with their predictions of the results. These were displayed in the first grade hallway.

Leading into the cafeteria, Mrs. Ardrey transformed the hallway into a cave! The students started the year looking at cave paintings from prehistoric times. Students learned about how art is used for communication through analyzing pictures of cave painting examples. Then, students used similar techniques such as finger painting and drawing with charcoal to illustrate stories with a small group.

Mrs. Ardrey is beyond proud of the artistic and creative growth of each and every student! She would also like to thank the fantastic parent volunteers for helping to make this art showcase a huge success!

P.E. Demonstration

Diane Coleman, Campus School Physical Education

May 11, 2023

The Campus School P.E. Demo is a showcase that demonstrates the activities and skills throughout the school year. This gives students the chance to show off the components of the P.E. program and the skills they have worked on throughout the year. Each class participated in a different skill set, and celebrated their individuality by having a different colored shirt, made special for the event. The first P.E. Demo began in 1983, and was completely designed by Ms. Coleman. Historically, it was held every two years. After a brief pause due to COVID, the Campus School community is so excited to bring back this tradition! The program started with a beautiful and powerful performance of the National Anthem, sung by the 4th and 5th grade students. Then, each class presented a selected P.E. skill.

Music is used in grades 1-2 to enhance movement. Rhythmic movement can be creative or have specific steps to the beat of the music. During the P.E. Demo, kindergarteners used rhythmic movements combined with cardiac conditioning to increase their cardiorespiratory fitness levels. The students danced to the Boogie Walk and the Chicken Dance.

First grade participated in parachute play and throwing and catching. Parachutes come in different sizes and are used in a variety of ways. Working with a parachute requires a great deal of group cooperation. Students also demonstrated throwing and catching skills using red balls, grip balls, catch balls, rubber animals, and scoops.

Second graders participated in manipulative skills and cardio drumming. Manipulative skills help to develop children’s eye-hand coordination individually and with a partner. These students used materials such as noodles, scoops, balls, and hoops. Students also demonstrated striking abilities with different body parts, then with short and long handled lollipop paddles and balloons.

Third grade showcased dancing! Students performed square dancing using two formations- circle and sets. These students, joined by Mrs. Ardrey, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Vanneste-Hobbs, performed High Five, Corners, and Partners dancing strategies.

Fourth graders participated in both hockey and rope activities: rope skipping and jump rope. These activities were performed individually and with partners. We even had a special guest jump in- Ms. Coleman! All students participated in our Kids Heart Challenge that raised $17,640.00 for the American Heart Association. Campus School is part of a select group of Memphis Shelby County Schools participating in the National Hockey League-Nashville Predators Street Hockey program. Students learn the fundamentals of street and floor hockey. Students demonstrated dribble and pass hockey styles.

Fifth graders demonstrated parachuting and tinikling. The fifth graders’ parachute routine demonstrated a variety of skills and abilities. Using the large parachute takes more strength and cooperation because of its size. Students performed to the song The Champion.

Tinikling is a Filipino folk dance in which two persons sitting on the ground manipulate two long poles as one, two, or a large number of other students dance in and out of the poles. The poles are bare in 4/4 rhythm and dance steps are done when the poles are apart. The students demonstrated individual sets, line, crossed set with 4 dancers, and a large square with 8 dancers.

There were many family and community members who came to support the P.E. Demo program. The students are already looking forward to the next one!

Check out Coach Coleman during one of her first P.E. Demos at Campus School in the 1980s!

What a Waste: Fourth Grade Food Waste Warriors

Mrs. Pillow, Campus School STEM/PBL Coordinator & The 3rd Grade Team

For their fourth quarter PBL, fourth grade explored the science of food. Students began their unit learning about nutrition and how to read food labels. Then, students attended a guest speaker event with Clean Memphis and Project Green Fork. During this event, students learned about the journey of food from farm to table, food waste, and completed Memphis food trivia. Next, the students completed a food audit. During the food audit, fourth graders set up an analysis station in the hallway. When students completed their school lunch, fourth graders separated the food into categories based on food item. Then, students weighed the leftovers and conducted surveys, while analyzing the data in science class This data collection was a wonderful opportunity for students to take ownership for their learning.

In Math class, students completed a measuring unit where students analyzed popular beverages and predicted and measured the grams of sugar found in each one. To end the unit, students will also have the opportunity to go to the R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center to attend a cooking class for students to get hands-on experience measuring, picking ingredients, and cooking. This unit has been powerful and eye-opening, and the teachers are so excited to empower these young Tigers to change the world!

Campus School Fam Jam

May 9, 2023

The fifth annual CSPN Fam Jam rocked out at Railgarten on Tuesday, May 9. Campus Dad, Graham Burks, organized 30 Campus kids & musician parents over several weeks of rehearsals to put on a great show! In addition to the Campus Fam Jam Band, Fam Jam featured the 901 UMiddle House Band and Above Jupiter (featuring Campus School Alums). It was a full house with proceeds from food & drink purchases benefitting Campus School Parent Network. A great time was had by all!

Campus School Spring Fling

May 15, 2023

Campus School Parent Network went above and beyond for our students this Spring! Spring Fling is a deep tradition at Campus School. Vendors and volunteers create a carnival-style festival for Campus School students during the school day. Students look forward to enjoying bounce houses, cotton candy, sno cones, pizza, hot dogs, face painting, and more. It is always a wonderful time seeing our little Tigers so happy and enjoying Spring together!

UMS 8th grade Spring PBL Exhibition & Promotional Ceremony

May 16, 2023

UMS 8th graders wrapped up the end of the year by showcasing their final PBL projects this past week. They answered the question: How can Memphis maintain its status as the Hub of the Nation? These students also celebrated their last week of middle school with a promotional ceremony. Congratulations 8th grade! Way to make us Tiger proud!

UMS & UHS "Fun" Day

May 12, 2023

Field Day was on the books for UMS & UHS students, but due to the weather, it was changed to FUN DAY! Students celebrated inside, with a game of Homeroom Feud, Karaoke, and Minute-To-Win-It games! They wrapped up the day with a creative art session, full of all kinds of crafts! The weather did not stop anyone from having fun! Check out these highlights!

End of the Year Retreat

Fourth Quarter

Our high school students wrapped up the year with an End of the Year Retreat at Shelby Farms. Students participated in a Go Ape adventure course! Congrats to our 9th graders for venturing through their first official founding year!

Fall 2023 Extended Learning

We are excited to offer expanded Extended Learning opportunities for the Fall 2023 semester across our schools! Thank you to the 236 students at Campus School and 71 students at University Middle School who participated in our Extended Learning programs this past year.

All registration for Campus School and University Middle School will open on June 26 at 9am. We will email all 2023-24 families that morning at 9am so you can begin to reserve spots. We will also email the link for YMCA Y-Care sign-up as soon as it is finalized for 2023-24.

Here is a preview of the 2023-24 Extended Learning schedule. We are working to finalize and will release the full schedule on June 26 with a link to confirm your registration.

Campus School

• Mondays: Wings Gymnastics, Mid-South Chess, Sunfish Children’s Theater, Yoga, Japanese, Girls Scouts (3rd Grade Girls), UofM School of Music Violin Instruction (3rd – 5th), 4th & 5th Grade Girls Basketball, Beginning Guitar (4th & 5th Grade)
• Tuesdays: Midtown Taekwondo , Novel Study, Girls Who Code (open to all 3rd – 5th students), Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th Grade Girls), 3rd Grade Co-Ed Basketball, Intermediate Guitar (4th & 5th)
• Wednesdays: Wings Gymnastics, Soccer Shots, Ceramics from Arrow Collective , Bits, Bytes, Bots Robotics (1st – 5th Grade), UofM School of Music Violin Instruction (3rd – 5th), Character & Leadership (3rd – 5th), 4th Grade Co-Ed Basketball
• Thursdays: Soccer Shots, Recreational Games, Children’s Ballet Theater, Bits, Bytes, Bots Robotics (1st – 5th Grade), Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th Grade Girls), 5th Grade Co-Ed Basketball

University Middle School

• Mondays: Girls Who Code (open to all students), Drawing from Arrow Collective, Beginning Journalism & New Media, Newspaper & Reporting, Power Up Fitness, French
• Tuesdays: Bits, Bytes, Bots Robotics, Food Fusion, UofM School of Music Violin Instruction, Sewing from Arrow Collective, Girls on the Run
• Wednesdays: Art Club, Mid-South Chess, Hip Hop from the Triple Cs, Cardi-O-FitNess
• Thursdays: The Philosophical Athlete, Teen’s Art Garden from The Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Japanese, Girls on the Run, UofM School of Music Violin Instruction

UHS Student Summer Programs

Summer Arts Integration and Leadership Immersion Program (SAIL)

We are excited about the SAIL program taking place right here on campus at The University of Memphis that will provide rising 10th and 11th graders with an immersive academic and experiential learning opportunity in a residential, on-campus environment. Give your student the opportunity to interact with UofM's top faculty members! Take a look at this flyer and help us share this opportunity everywhere! You will find more details on the website. Don’t miss this opportunity, and apply here!

June 4-10

Summer Program Opportunities

We brought together a good number of local, regional, and national opportunities for High School students this summer! Take a look at these options and share if you know someone who can benefit from it!

If you need to follow up on an invoice, please visit UofM Online Market Place for Campus and Middle. If you have signed up for an external program, don’t forget to stay in contact with our partner organizations!

University Schools 1st Annual 3 Minute Monologue Competition

Orgel Educational Center

Congratulations to the following students for participating in University Schools 1st Annual 3 Minute Monologue Competition!

Clara Hedge Grade 7: Who They Tell I Am – 1st Place Written Monologue

Maya Brown Grade 7: Dear Little Black Girl - 2nd Place Written & Performance Monologue

& OVERALL WINNER MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION

Alleia Bakker Grade 9: Measuring Up - 3rd Place in both Written and Performance Monologue High School Division

Thank you to Mr. Hal Harmon, Compliance Coordinator at Orgel Educational Center for leading this student initiative!

UMS Faculty of the Month

Jasmyne Holmes - UMS Math Instructional Coach

University Schools Faculty, Staff, & Partner Awards 2022-23

This past week, members of the central team surprised the awarded nominees of the annual University Schools Faculty, Staff, & Partner Awards for the 2022-23 year with a prize patrol! Faculty, staff, and partners received celebratory certificates, flowers, and a huge congratulations for all of the amazing amazing work they do for our students and school community!

Schedules

Support our Tigers, by cheering them on at their next game! Click here to access all of our Winter Sports Schedules.

Athletics Communication

If you would like to receive athletic updates from our Athletic Director, Dr. Moore, please sign up by clicking here: UMiddle Athletics Communication List

Contact

For any questions or concerns you have involving athletics, please use our athletic email to contact Dr. Moore at athleticsus@k12.memphis.edu.

Tiger Running Club

Ben Fox, University Schools Parent

Our Campus School Running Club track and field team completed 5 track meets this season!

Team Members

Girls: Ella Gilliam, Noa Gookin, Elle Porter, Amirah Tawfik, Corinne Schrader, Margaret Chiles, Paige Parrish, Mara Pence

Boys: Avery Badtram, Caleb Banks, John Langston, Declan Murphy, Liam Pruett, Davis Scarboro, Isaiah Thomas, Thomas Fox, Tino Halic, Laz Jackson, Luke McWilliams, Xavier Tucker, Elias White, Logan Sawyer, Anthony Serino, Corbin Tawfik

The proudest accomplishment for the team is that every single team member has set a new personal record in at least one event this year! Here are some highlights:

Meet 1:

· Isaiah Thomas finished 10 out of 144 runners in the 100M race.

· Paige Parrish finished 10th in the 1600m race.

· Thomas Fox finished 13th out of 86 runners in the 400m race.

· Corinne Schrader finished 13th in the 800m race.

· Luke McWilliams finished 16th in the boys 800m.

Meet 2:

· Caleb Banks finished 7th , Isaiah Thomas 15th and Thomas Fox 25th out of 144 runners in the 200m race.

· Paige Parrish finished 16th in the 1600m.

· Corinne Schrader finished 26th out of 109 runners in the 400m.

· Laz Jackson finished 24 out of 110 runners in the boys 400m.

· Thomas Fox finished 15th , Liam Pruett 16th, and Luke McWilliams 20th in the 800m race.

· Boys 4 x 100 Relay Team (Elias White, Isaiah Thomas, Laz Jackson, Caleb Banks) finished 7th out of 21 teams.

· Boys team finished 7th in points overall out of all elementary schools.

Meet 3:

· Caleb Banks finished 1st out of 151 runners in the 100m race, and Isaiah Thomas finished 14th.

· Thomas Fox finished 24th out of 111 runners in the 400m.

· Liam Pruett finished 16th in the 800m.

· Caleb Banks finished 6th out of 109 long jumpers.

· Boys team finished 3rd in points in the Meet 3 out of all elementary school boys teams.

· Girls 4 x 400 Relay Team (Elle Porter, Mara Pence, Corinne Schrader, Paige Parrish) finished 9th out of 17 teams.

· Boys 4 x 400 Relay Team (Caleb Banks, Laz Jackson, Thomas Fox, Liam Pruett) finished 4th out of 19 teams.

Campus School would like to thank our dedicated parent, Coach Ben Fox! We are looking forward to cheering on our Tigers next season!

UMS Track & Field

Congratulations to all of our track student athletes for competing in the State Championship Track Meet, held this weekend in Clarksville TN! Our team had an incredible showing on the largest stage, and of our runners/teams finished higher than where they were seeded for the meet!

• The girls 4x200 team of Miguela Gary, Hadley Sugg, Teryanna Moore, and Khloe Leake finished 5th in the state with a time of 1:54. This race was very competitive and the difference between 2nd place and 5th place was 1 second.

• The girls 4x400 team set a new school record, breaking the old record by 6 seconds, with a time of 4:43. They finished 11th overall. That team consisted of Ruthie Watson, Hadley Sugg, Madeline Lareau, and Makayla Dogan.

• Lola Coupe became the first UMiddle medalist at state when she placed 7th overall in the 1600 with a time of 5:50. Lila Crocker PR’d in the 1600 with a time of 6:43 and finished 14th in state. Coleman Cockrum PR’d in the 1600 as well with a time of 5:40 and he also finished 14th overall. Way to go to these distance runners for representing us very well!

UMS Track & Field student athletes will start conditioning in July.

UHS Track & Field

Good luck to Alleia Bakker who qualified for the State Track Meet! She will be venturing to Murfreesboro this week to compete against the top runners in the state. We are so proud of you!

Cross-country conditioning for UHS student athletes begins the first week of June.

UHS & UMS Athletics Banquet

Congratulations to all of our student athletes for finishing the 2022-23 school year with so many amazing accomplishments! Thank you to our coaches and athletic staff for supporting our student athletes this school year! A huge thank you to Dr. Moore for leading athletics across both UHS and UMS! Way to make us Tiger proud!

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

Please use THIS INTEREST FORM if you'd like more information about how to work with our parent networks. We will pass your information to each of the parent networks.

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

• May 26 - Campus School Awards Ceremony 8:05 - 9:00am @ The Rose Theater / Last Day of School / 1/2 Day Dismissal

2023-24

• July 25-27 - UMS 2023-24 Family Orientation
• July 31-August 4 - Teacher In-Service
• August 7 - First Day of School for all University Schools

Planet Fitness is offering a FREE summer pass to all high school students ages 14-19! Valid May 15-August 31. Click here for more information.

Click here to read about UofM Athletics & Events for the upcoming month.

Tech News, Information, and Support for University Schools Families

Student Device Collection at UMS and UHS

All students in grades 6-9 are required to turn in their devices before the end of the school year. Student device collection for both UMS and UHS has already taken place. Notification of any outstanding fees or missing devices were emailed out to parents.

Due to renovations at Orgel Educational Center, the last day for device drop-offs or payment of any fees will be Friday, May 26th at 11:30 am.

If you have any questions regarding device collection, please reach out to University Schools Technology Coordinator, Jessica Hernandez, jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu.

Social Media

We invite you to stay up to date on the day-to-day life of our students, by following our social media pages:

• Twitter (@uofmschools)
• Instagram (@universityschoolsmemphis)
• Facebook (@universityschoolsmemphis)
• LinkedIn

Helpful Links

• Bookmark the University Schools website
• Bookmark the School Year Guide 2022-23
• Bookmark the University Schools 2022-23 calendar
• Bookmark the University Schools Technology Hub
• Bookmark the University Schools Policy Manual
• Bookmark the University Schools Student & Family Handbook

Contact Information

• Click here to find contact information

The University of Memphis | University Schools

Memphis, TN 38152

We respect your right to privacy. View our privacy policy.

The University of Memphis does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by the University of Memphis. The Office for Institutional Equity has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. For more information, visit The University of Memphis Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.