Compendium Digest
UofM’s University Schools Awarded Semi-Finalist Status in Department of Education Challenge
We are so proud to announce that University Schools were recently announced as the only schools in West TN to advance as semi-finalists in the Department of Education's Career Z Challenge.
The challenge received submissions from schools in 35 states proposing innovative solutions to expanding high school student access to high-quality work-based learning and career preparation experiences. University Schools were selected alongside two other schools in Tennessee and 80 other finalists spanning the nation.
The Career Z Challenge supports the Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success initiative championed by the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce. Through the Career Z Challenge, University Schools will engage collaborative ecosystems of educators, employers, industries and community stakeholders to ensure educational offerings are aligned with local and state workforce and post-secondary needs. Additionally, University Schools will serve as a training and laboratory model for engaging students across grades 9-12 in meaningful career exploration, development and preparation by providing experiential learning opportunities that are real-world, relevant, inclusive and accessible, interconnected and expansive, scalable, measurable and sustainable.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Landscape Assessment
First 8 Memphis and our partners are looking for family members of children ages birth through 8 and pregnant people to share their thoughts and experiences. We want to hear from you about what it’s like to live and thrive in Memphis, how you provide love and care for your babies, and how you support their and your own wellbeing.
The first 2,000 parents/guardians to complete the ENTIRE survey will receive a $10 gift card. Once the survey is completed, instructions to redeem the gift card will be sent via email.
Use the following password to access the survey: First8Memphis
Highly Effective Teaching
“The Highly Effective Teaching model is a brain-compatible model grounded in the biology of learning, effective instructional strategies, and the development of conceptual curriculum. The HET Model has been successfully replicated nationally in educational institutions serving rural, urban, and suburban communities. It includes proven strategies and methods for student learning, teaching and administrative management. Independent research has provided evidence of significant gains in student achievement using the Highly Effective Teaching Model.
The HET model is implemented at Campus School. There are several components that make for an HET classroom. Here are some of the components: Creating the conditions for a learning environment before school starts; Implementing resources for a body-brain-compatible environment throughout the year; Classroom resources include neuroscience and the Biology of Learning, mindful and intentional materials are used for building community, Classroom management through the Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS, Intentional instructional strategies are used for engaging students, and instructors create and use Conceptual Curriculum which integrates subject areas.
Teachers devoted time during in-service to “Quality Classrooms”. This includes analyzing classroom practices and set-up to ensure model HET status- such as utilizing natural lighting, incorporating plants, and calming colors. Campus School classrooms have the “living room” approach, where students feel like they are at home in their classrooms. When it comes to setting up classrooms, everything is on purpose.
Uniform Drive
Campus School parents are leading the way to create sustainable opportunities for Campus School Tigers! During the last week of August, the school hosted a parent-run uniform drive. Families had the option to donate gently-used basic uniform clothing andCampus School logo clothing. Parents then sorted clothing and organized distribution of items. Spearheaded by Kindergarten and third-grade parent Stephy Momper, our Tigers are making an impact by decreasing textile waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions through these upcycling efforts.
