Early College HS: Weekly Update

Week #9
A Message from the Admin Team
Fall Break is Approaching!
Fall Break is approaching! Please remember that students will not report to school on Friday, 10/9 (Stockpile Professional Development Day). Students in grades 11 and 12 are required to attend their NSCC classes on Monday, October 12, according to their NSCC schedules. All students will return to school on Monday, October 19. We hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, and enjoyable Fall Break, and we look forward to seeing our students back on Monday, 10/19!
Grades 9 & 10 District Benchmarks CONTINUE THIS WEEK!
This week, Grades 9 & 10 students will continue to complete their required MNPS District Benchmarks in the following subjects:
Math: Tuesday, October 6
English: Wednesday, October 7
District Benchmarks are aligned to course-level standards and the MNPS Scope and Sequence and are administered during students’ regular class periods. These assessments provide important information about what students have learned, where they are demonstrating mastery, and where additional support may be needed.
Families, we need your partnership! Please talk with your student about the importance of taking these assessments seriously, giving their best effort, taking their time, and demonstrating what they know. Benchmark results help our teachers make instructional decisions and better prepare students for success throughout the remainder of the school year.
And there’s something to work toward! Students who score AT or EXCEEDS benchmark in at least ONE subject area will be invited to our “Nacho Average Student” Nacho Bar Celebration after Fall Break! Let’s encourage our students to show what they know and do their very best!
NEW CLUB OFFERING: Black Student Union (BSU)
ECHS is excited to announce the launch of a Black Student Union (BSU), a student-led organization dedicated to promoting leadership, cultural awareness excellence, and community engagement. The BSU welcomes all students interested in building community, celebrating diversity, and making a positive impact within our school. We look forward to a year of meaningful events, service opportunities, and student leadership. First meeting information forthcoming. Questions? Contact Syntel (Grade 11), President at SyntelM16318@mnpsk12.org or Ms. K, Club Advisor at kasara.harrell@mnps.org.
ECHS HOODIES ON SALE NOW!
SALES END THIS FRIDAY (10/9)
Show your ECHS pride with a school hoodie! Hoodies are available in adult sizes S–XL for $30 and 2X–3X for $36. This is a great way to represent our ECHS community while staying comfortable and stylish! Ordering ENDS THIS FRIDAY (10/9), so be sure to place your order during the open ordering window. Every purchase helps support the ECHS PTSO and its efforts to provide resources, activities, and support for our students, teachers, and school community.
College & Career Readiness: Wellness & Success Workshop #4
October 22nd!
In partnership with Love in a Big World, ECHS will be offering a four-part workshop series for all members of our ECHS community covering various topics connected to the social and emotional health necessary for college and career success. We encourage all to attend our next three workshops from 6pm-7pm via TEAMS. Please click here to join the meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/277580971368027?p=Pl9TuKSbcRISaW7fA2. Questions? Contact Dr. G at nicole.healy@mnps.org.
INVEST CAMPAIGN ENDS DECEMBER 18, 2026
A Note from Mrs. Gennifer Thompson, ECHS PTSO President
Early College High School is the hidden gem of MNPS! Mr. Manuel, our Executive Principal, and the entire ECHS Team work tirelessly to ensure that our students achieve their goals. It takes all of us in this community to make this the best school experience possible. This year, the PTSO is asking each family to give a minimum donation of $50 per ECHS student. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the ECHS PTSO by December 6, 2024. You can donate by CLICKING HERE! We provide financial support to the school that directly benefits our children and families. We don’t sell cookie dough or wrapping paper, and this INVEST campaign is the only time we will ask for a donation.
Our INVEST campaign goal is $10,000 and will help purchase:
▪ Hospitality for Faculty/Staff Appreciation throughout the school year
▪ Supplies and snacks for celebrations such as attendance, Principal’s List/Honor Roll, etc.
▪ Educational materials and equipment
▪ And so much more!
With your help we can reach our goal. Please give as you are able and know that we appreciate your generosity. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the PTSO at ptoechs@gmail.com.
With gratitude,
PTSO Board
Limitless Libraries
At ECHS, we know that reading is a key to success, and we are so happy to announce our partnership with LIMITLESS LIBRARIES, in partnership with NPL's Richland Park, is BACK! This service is available for all students and faculty/staff.
1. Navigate to: https://www.limitlesslibraries.org
2. Once you find a book, movie, comic, eBook, etc. that you would like to borrow, click “Place Hold."
3. Students will be asked for a Library Card Number & Pin. Their Library Card Number is their MNPS 190 ID. Their pin is the month and day of their birthday. For example: 01/10.
4. Then, the screen will have a drop-down prompt: “I want to pick this up at…”. Students should click Early College High School.
5. Click “submit hold request."
6. Then, their order will be placed! Students will pick-up and return their selection at ECHS (bins located in Mr. Louis’ and Ms. Baugh’s classrooms + Dr. G's office).
MNPS Every Student, Every Family Known Fall Festival
MNPS families, you’re invited to join us for the Every Student, Every Family Known Fall Festival! Come out and kick off the fall season with an exciting day of family fun, delicious food, fall activities, giveaways, and more! Families will also have an opportunity to participate in our coat and food box giveaway, while supplies last. There will be something for family members of all ages to enjoy, so bring the whole family and spend the day with us!
Saturday, November 7
10:00am-1:00pm
MNPS Support Hub
2601 Bransford Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204
We can’t wait to see you there and enjoy a day of food, fun, and family time together! Register Here
Interested in making a donation to ECHS?
Check out our school-wide Amazon Wish List!
This wish list will keep us continually stocked on classroom supplies, snacks, books, hygiene products, materials for celebrations, and more for both students and faculty staff!
Reach out if you need us anytime. The future is bright. Let's do this - together!
In partnership,
Mr. Manuel, Executive Principal
&
Dr. G, Assistant Principal
Grades 9 & 10 - Important Reminders:
- This week, students will continue to take their required MNPS district benchmark in Math (Tuesday, 10/6) and English (Wednesday, 10/7). District Benchmarks are aligned to the course level standards, the MNPS Scope and Sequence, and are administered within the course class period. Students that score AT or EXCEEDS benchmark in at least ONE subject area will be celebrated with a Nacho Average Student Nacho Bar Celebration post Spring Break!
- On Monday (10/5) and Tuesday (10/6), Ms. Sydney will meet with Grade 9 during Freshman Seminar for Vision Board Presentations. Questions? Contact Ms. Sydney at sherry.sydney@mnps.org.
- Q1 Report Cards will be distributed to students during 1st Period on Thursday, 10/22. Q2 begins on Monday, 10/19. Students who earn the honor of being named to the Principal’s List (all A’s) or Honor Roll (A’s and B’s) will be celebrated during PLT with Mr. Manuel and Dr. G. when we return from Fall Break.
Grades 11 - Important Reminders:
- Per pre-assigned grouping, Ms. Sydney will meet with Grade 11 for a Counseling Meeting on Tuesday, 10/6 through Thursday 10/7 at 2:10pm in A-11. The topic is "Belonging." Questions? Contact Ms. Sydney at sherry.sydney@mnps.org.
Grades 11 & 12 - Important Reminders:
Attendance Privilege Meetings are on-going. A sign-up will be sent directly to students and parents on a grade-level basis. Questions? Contact Dr. G at nicole.healy@mnps.org.
- Student Club/Organization Parent Consent Forms are now available. If a student does not submit a signed form, they cannot participate in an ECHS Club. Please see Dr. G or your Club Advisor for a form.
Congratulations to students who have been invited to apply for membership in the Early College High School National Honor Society! Eligible students with a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher are encouraged to apply for this prestigious organization, which recognizes excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students received an email from Mr. Stewart in their MNPS email. Applications are due by 12pm on Saturday, 10/10; submitting an application does not guarantee selection for membership. Questions? Contract Mr. Stewart, NHS Advisor, at brian.stewart@mnps.org.
Grade 12 - Class of 2027! - Important Reminders:
As you receive college/university and scholarship acceptances, please bring a copy to Dr. G, so we can celebrate you! Be sure to check out our "College Bound" wall display in our ECHS Main Hallway!
On Thursday, October 8th, Ms. Sydney will be hosting a Senior Parent Meeting via TEAMS from 6:30pm-7:30pm. The meeting will discuss graduation requirements, FAFSA, TN Direct Admission, college applications, scholarships and financial aid, and important senior-year deadlines. Families will also receive resources and guidance to help navigate these important processes. Please click here to join the meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/212213512464530?p=y8YeEtvI6fOXcPkw6V. Questions? Contact Ms. Sdyney at sherry.sydney@mnps.org.
All students are required to attend the following: Pre-ACT Paperwork Day THIS FRIDAY (10/9) 9am-10:40am with Ms. Sydney, ACT Bootcamp 10/23 from 8:30am-2pm with Dr. G, and the ACT on Tuesday, 10/27 at 7:15am. Please check your MNPS email for further information.
Students who earned the honor of being named to NSCC’s Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 President’s List (4.0 GPA or higher) or Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or higher) should visit with Dr. G and Mr. Manuel on Monday, 10/19, to receive their plaque and a special treat!
Every Friday in September and October, seniors are invited to join Ms. Sydney in A-11 from 9:00–11:00am for sessions designed to help students craft a post-graduation plan and connect them with the resources needed to achieve it. Additionally, the following universities will be present for direct conversations on the following dates: Belmont University 10/30. For more information, contact Ms. Sydney at sherry.sydney@mnps.org.
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ECHS Drop Off/Pick Up Map
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ECHS Parent & Student Handbook
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Extra Curricular Activities
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ECHS CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: earlycollege@mnps.org
Location: 120 White Bridge Road Suite C244 Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 629-999-6344
Instagram & X: @ECHS_MNPS