Congratulations to Linda Bustamante Padron from Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School
Linda Bustamante Padron from Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School Selected as a LEGO® Education Ambassador
LEGO® Education recognizes passionate educators who advocate for hands-on STEAM learning
Columbia, TN (November 7, 2022) – Today, Maury County Public Schools announced Linda Bustamante Padron has been selected by LEGO® Education for the 2022-2023 cohort of its U.S. LEGO Education Ambassador Program.
Only 80 educators, including Linda Bustamante Padron, were accepted into the program this year, and were selected because they embody the LEGO Education mission and demonstrated innovative teaching practices, experience engaging students in STEAM learning and a commitment to hands-on learning in the classroom. Participants in the program represent a variety of grade levels and school districts from 27 states.
The LEGO Education Ambassador Program is a community of early learning through middle school educators who are advocates for learning through play and teach with LEGO Education solutions, making them uniquely qualified to help teachers get the most out of the LEGO® Learning System. This volunteer program connects educators with their peers and LEGO Education experts to share knowledge and ideas for student success, as well as provide valuable feedback and testing.
“There's no better way to learn than through play and LEGO Education embodies this philosophy perfectly, which enables scholars to grow academically in a way that is fun and inspires creativity. Through LEGO Education, you can build and design a future of endless possibilities. I am excited to join the LEGO Education Ambassador Program cohort for the 2022-2023 year!” – Linda Bustamante Padron
The value of hands-on learning is more important than ever, especially for STEAM learning and building 21st century skills for the jobs of the future. In a recent survey conducted by OnePoll, 74 percent of parents recognize the value of STEAM for their child’s future. The same survey found that 87 percent of teachers noted an improvement in student engagement when incorporating purposeful play, such as hands-on STEAM activities.
To learn more about the 2022 cohort, please visit the LEGO Education Community. LEGO Education Ambassadors serve as volunteer ambassadors of LEGO Education.
Tripp Eastland
Congratulations to Tripp Eastland, a third grader from Mrs. Joslin's classroom at Marvin Wright Elementary who recently won first place and is the AMA state champion in his age bracket!
He is sponsored by:
Flow Vision Company
American Pipe and Supply Nashville
Ryno Power Sports Supplements
Minton Cycle
Eastern Industrial Supplies Inc
KCI Motorsports LLC
BMC Metalworks, LLC Columbia, TN
Thompson Machinery
O'Neal
Twin Air High Performance Airfilter Products
Roberts Toyota Columbia, TN
Adam Baker, Field Technical Specialist with Toyota Corporation in Cincinnati, along with Erin Smith of Roberts Toyota of Columbia, were at Hampshire Unit School on Tuesday, October 25th. They put on a business seminar for members of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and SkillsUSA along with the business management class of Mr. Webb Williams. They shared information on careers in the auto industry. They also demonstrated a hybrid Camry to the students.
CITY, Tenn. – The Maury County Health Department is proud to be a part of Fight Flu ’22 on Nov. 9, 2022 as we are encouraging everyone who is eligible to receive a flu shot to do so.
‘’ We want to protect people in our communities from the flu and receiving your annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and everyone around you,’’ said Andy Kenney. ‘’ No appointments will be needed to receive a free flu vaccine during Fight Flu ’22 and flu vaccine will remain free to anyone who wants to receive it at the Maury County Health Department and all other local health departments across the state.’’
To kick-off Fight Flu ’22 on Nov., 9, the Maury County Health Department will be providing free flu shots, from 8:30am to 11:30am at 1909 Hampshire Pike Columbia, TN 38401.
The flu virus is highly contagious and pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions are at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu. The CDC estimates up to 7.5 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths could be prevented every year if more people chose to get the flu vaccine.
To prevent the spread of the flu virus to others, follow precautions such as proper hygiene and handwashing, cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and stay at home if you are sick.
For more information on www.tn.gov/health/fightflu and receiving a free flu shot, please contact the Maury County Health Department at (931)388-5757.
Did you know that The Well Outreach is serving over 800 Maury County students with weekend meal bags every week? The Jetpack Program provides students with a drawstring bag of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods. Hunger affects a student’s ability to focus and learn. A Jetpack can provide extra nutrition for your student over the weekend. If your student attends one of the schools listed and you would like them to receive a Jetpack, please click the link below and speak to your school's counselor or family resource director. If your family is in need of food assistance, please visit The Well Outreach Food Pantry at 5306 Main Street in Spring Hill. For more details, visit www.springhillwell.org
Jetpack Schools Served
Baker Elementary
Battle Creek Elementary
Battle Creek Middle
Columbia Central
Culleoka Unit School
E.A.Cox Middle
Hampshire Unit School
Highalnd Park Elementary
Marvin Wright Elementary
Mt. Pleasant Elementary
Mt. Pleasant Middle
Mt. Pleasant High School
Spring Hill Elementary
Spring HIll Middle
Sprng HIll High School
Industry is seeing continual growth of manufacturing careers and the need of workers in Maury County and surrounding areas. Job demand for mechatronics technicians and engineers is strong in Tennessee. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Maury County Public Schools try to provide the future workforce for manufacturing by offering both Advanced Manufacturing Mechatronics and STEM Engineering programs of study in the school system. There are 544 students who participate in manufacturing courses in MCPS. These courses are offered at Columbia Central High School, Culleoka Unit School, Mt. Pleasant High School, and Spring Hill High School.
In the Mechatronics and Machining programs of study, students take Principles of Manufacturing, Robotics and Automated Systems, and LDC Mechatronics I and II. In Engineering, students take Principles of Engineering, Engineering Design I and II, and an Engineering Practicum.
Students have the opportunity to participate in local dual credit where they can earn college credit while taking the high school courses. In the LDC course, they learn AC/DC electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drive systems, process control, and CAD/CAM. The students also have the opportunity to earn industry credentials such as OSHA 10 and learn about precision measuring, coding, programming, and robotics. Work-based learning opportunities are also available for the students in these Career and Technical Education programs of study. SkillsUSA and TSA are the Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) provided for students in Advanced Manufacturing Mechatronics and STEM Engineering in the schools.
Manufacturing Day was held on October 21, 2022, with approximately 120 MCPS students participating in the event. They had guided tours of Armada Nutrition, Columbia Machine Works, and GM. They were treated to a tour of the Engineering Systems Technology lab at Columbia State Community College, a lunch provided by Maury Alliance, and a presentation by Ultium Cells.
Upcoming Community Events and Services
- There is still a week left for the Gratitude challenge! Mark off each day to indicate you completed that day’s gratitude work. Include a simple sentence stating how this challenge has helped you. Submit this to Coordinated School Health by courier, or electronically, sending on or anytime before, November 11. As always, we will have prizes for random drawings of all submissions!
- UT is doing a research study to understand why immunization rates are decreasing across the State and would like your feedback – see the attached flier “UT Pinup Flyer” for the QR code
- November 7 through the 12 - James Patterson Foundation for Veterans Blood Drive - The Columbia Breakfast Rotary and Blood Assurance will be donating $10.00 for each blood donation to the James Patterson Foundation for Veterans. To schedule an appointment visit: bloodassurance.org/jamespattersonfoundation
- November 12, 2022, The Well Mobile Food Pantry Spring Hill High School at 9:00 am
- December 3, 2022, The Well Mobile Food Pantry at Mt. Pleasant Middle School at 9:00 am
This week we are highlighting…. Recess AND Grants for YOU!
When it comes to classroom discipline, each school has its own set of rules—but a universally popular response to misbehavior is to prohibit kids from participating in recess.
The problem is that a large body of research has shown recess benefits kids’ mental and physical health. So when that time to play and enjoy the fresh air is stripped away as a disciplinary tactic, the consequences may be worse than intended. Although now on the decline, withholding recess was once common practice in schools across the country (even by my OWN MOTHER!). School administrators have, in the past, argued that taking away free-play time is an effective way of curbing poor behavior among students. A 2010 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation survey found 77 percent of principals reported withholding recess as punishment. That’s a slight decrease from a 2006 study published in the Journal of School Health, which discovered that more than 81 percent of school districts adopted such a no-recess policy.
Increasingly, though, school officials are recognizing that taking away recess does more harm than good for a child’s physical, emotional and behavioral health. As a result, many districts are now getting rid of the practice. “That physical activity and unstructured play, those things are not luxuries for kids,” says Sara Zimmerman, technical assistance director of Safe Routes to School National Partnership, in an interview with Education Week. “That’s a key part of how kids learn and grow.”
In a 2012 position paper, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that safe, supervised recess time benefits a student’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development by giving them a break from the “concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom.” Experts from the AAP continued at the time, “Recess is a complement to, physical education—not a substitute for it.”
Multiple studies have shown that when kids have at least 20 minutes of recess—the recommended time from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—they become more attentive and productive in class. Research has also proven play can help children develop communication skills, such as problem-solving and cooperation. It’s also shown to help with coping skills, such as self-control and determination. A 2014 University of Colorado-Boulder study published in Frontiers in Psychology discovered that 6-year-old students who engaged in free play and other unstructured activities more often had stronger levels of executive functioning, such as time management and decision-making skills. “Executive function is extremely important for children. It helps them in all kinds of ways throughout their daily lives, from flexibly switching between different activities rather than getting stuck on one thing, to stopping themselves from yelling when angry, to delaying gratification,” the study’s senior author Yuko Munakata, a psychology and neuroscience professor at CU-Boulder, says in the findings. “Executive function during childhood predicts important outcomes, like academic performance, health, wealth and criminality, years and even decades later.”
Lawmakers have even started to recognize the necessity of recess for students. As of 2015, at least 11 states have passed laws prohibiting schools from withholding recess as a form of discipline, according to Education Week. Did you know that withholding physical activity in MCPS is against our wellness policy? MCPS Wellness Policy can be found here http://images.pcmac.org/Uploads/TennesseeSBA/TennesseeSBA/Departments/DocumentsCategories/Documents/6411_88.pdf
Have a healthy, happy week!
Additional Grow Your Own Programs Offer New Pathways for Educator Pipeline
Nashville, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced continued momentum and recognition for innovative educator preparation pathways through a component of Tennessee’s Grow Your Own initiative, the Tennessee Teacher Apprenticeship models. Tennessee was the first state in the country to sponsor registered teaching apprenticeship programs between school districts and Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs), and Tennessee’s Teacher Apprenticeship models align leading practices in teacher preparation and development with the rigors of the nationally registered apprenticeship process.
Throughout the month of November, Tennessee will celebrate the state’s Grow Your Own initiative, which is inspiring the next generation of future teachers so that every student has access to a high-quality educator in their classroom. As a part of the department’s Best for All strategic plan, the Grow Your Own initiative aims to set a new path for the educator profession and for Tennessee to be the top state in which to become and remain a teacher and leader.
To drive greater impact, the department and University of Tennessee System announced the launch of the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center, a $20 million investment to support statewide scale for educator pipeline expansion. The center has built new teacher apprenticeship models through the University of Tennessee System’s four campuses, in addition to other EPPs in the state, to meet localized needs, district feedback, and push for innovation.
"We believe Tennessee’s Teacher Apprenticeship models will set the course for the nation’s educator pipeline, ultimately accelerating our innovation for not only teacher preparation – but the profession itself,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Continuing to learn and improve, we have a tremendous opportunity to think differently on how to ensure every child, in every classroom, has an excellent educator they most need – and deserve.”
Tennessee has developed innovative models that vary in time, modality, and approach - each meeting the registered teacher occupation apprenticeship structure. New programs will begin in January 2023. Learn more about the new Tennessee Teacher Apprenticeship Models here and below:
· University of Tennessee, Knoxville now offers master's and Education Specialist teacher apprenticeship pathways
· University of Tennessee, Martin now offers master's and bachelor’s teacher apprenticeship pathways
· University of Tennessee, Chattanooga now offers master's, bachelor’s, and licensure-only teacher apprenticeship pathways
· University of Tennessee, Southern now offers bachelor's and licensure-only teacher apprenticeship pathways
· Lipscomb University now offers both master’s and licensure-only teacher apprenticeship pathways
· Lincoln Memorial University now offers a master’s teacher apprenticeship pathway
“The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is grateful to continue delivering innovative, high-quality programs for districts and candidates statewide," said Dr. David Cihak, Associate Dean of Professional Licensure and Director of the CEHHS Graduate School of Education. "Through the Grow Your Own Center’s structure and TDOE supports, UTK is positioned to lead strong, varied teacher apprenticeship programs that meet the need of high-quality, impactful teacher preparation.”
“Teacher preparation is some of the most important work that we do as an institution, and the University of Tennessee, Martin is ready to serve our communities with no-cost programs to become a degreed, licensed teacher," said Dr. Staci Fuqua, Director of Educator Preparation Program & Accreditation, University of Tennessee, Martin. "Through our new teacher apprenticeship models, we are eager to support our districts in addressing their staffing challenges - and support our state’s commitment to exceptional academic experiences for all students.”
“We are thrilled to continue supporting district-facing Grow Your Own programs through the teacher apprenticeship framework," said Dr. Kim Wingate, Associate Professor and Co-Interim Director of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga School of Education. "Our models ensure new recruitment opportunities, responsive programs, and regional scale so that all Tennessee students have access to well-prepared, highly effective teachers.”
“The University of Tennessee, Southern is grateful to be included in the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center’s reach and impact, building and launching new teacher apprenticeship programs to support successful outcomes for our future teachers and leaders," said Jan Hanvy, Director of Teacher Education, University of Tennessee, Southern. "The effect of a strong educator is one that has lasting impacts, and we are determined to support our districts’ work to thoughtfully staff each classroom and building.”
The department has made available new Grow Your Own Case Studies for states and school districts looking to read about implementation, best practices, and learnings from previous participating Tennessee districts. Additional free, audience-specific resources for state and district leaders, education stakeholders and community members looking to learn more about teacher apprenticeships can be found at our website here.
To date, Tennessee has collaborated with 30+ states on their conception of new programs and pathways. Additionally, the state has received coverage of 35+ articles spanning local, regional, and national outlets to highlight the model, innovations in educator preparation development, and opportunities for future programmatic considerations. Further, Tennessee leaders have joined several national discussions and panels to share the state’s learning, implementation, and strategic work.
For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.
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Give Where You Live Maury
The Philanthropy Hub of Maury County promotes nonprofits and helps donors learn more about our community. Find detailed information about local organizations, make informed charitable decisions and give all in one place. The Philanthropy Hub Giving Tuesday is on November 29, 2022, called Give Where You Live Maury.
Links:
https://unitedwayofmaurycounty.com/
https://www.philanthropyhubofmaurycounty.org/
www.givewhereyoulivemaury.org
United Way of Maury County, Inc.
About MCPS
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Email: jcobb@mauryk12.org
Website: https://www.mauryk12.org
Location: 501 West 8th Street, Columbia, TN 38401, USA
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