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Inspiring Assembly Highlights Black History

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MA’s PR 101 at Chamber of Commerce Meeting

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Project-Based Class Puts Students in the Community Spotlight

The teachers at Madison Academy like to try new things. This school year, the schedule was swapped around so first period was a time for classes that made students move or create (fitness, band, handbells, newspaper, etc.). It was a hit. Second semester the teachers wanted to continue this style, but offer a few more project-based classes, one being web development the other public relations 101.

A project-based class combines real-world skills with class concepts to find solutions to their long-term class project. For PR 101 that means bringing back and planning the Neely’s Bend 5K.

The students, being mentored by Vicki Anderson and Taleah Valles-Peters, are doing everything. From creating the website to the flyers, courting sponsors to promoting to runners, this class is incredibly hands-on and the students are learning practical skills that will take them far in the workplace.

The students wanted this race to benefit more than just the Madison Campus community. That’s why the race is benefiting two causes, Madison Academy work-study scholarship and the 100 Club of Nashville. The 100 club, created by local Madison business owners, aids police officers and firefighters who are traumatically injured or lose their lives in the line of duty.

Sophomores Leo and Khani presenting at the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce meeting in February

These officers keep our community safe. Thank you!

The Public Relations 101 Class at their table at the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce meeting in Febr

 

“This class gives me the opportunity to come out of my shell.” Stated Leo, a sophomore in the class, “Never before would I have had the chance to speak in front of the chamber of commerce or meet so many interesting people in our community. I can’t wait to see how many people will come out to support this 5K.”

Sign-up today at www.neelysbend5k.com

 

-Hannah Cerbasi, Sophomore and Taleah Valles-Peters

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Becoming a National Merit Finalist

Recently Mike Downs, Class of 2017 was asked to share what it takes to achieve National Merit Finalist status.  This is his story.

“Accomplishing a large and improbable feat requires motivation, dedication, time and a visible success point. I was fortunate enough to be motivated by my eighth grade teacher and other adults around me who told me that I could do something great if I worked for it. I decided that I wanted to become a National Merit Finalist just like my Dad, but I had no idea how to do it. I received tutoring in test taking and English to prepare myself for the test. I spent countless hours learning grammar rules and memorizing vocabulary words. I took many practice tests to hone my craft of test taking and see where I could improve. Test taking is similar to anything you want to do in life; the more you practice it, the better you are going to be at it. Something I could not always provide for myself was support and resources, but God blessed me with an invaluable resource.

Madison Academy helped me to accomplish my goal by providing me with resources to learning grow. Mr. Mosher helped me immensely with my math through all the years, which was my highest scoring section on the PSAT and SAT. The online study resources for subsequent required tests were integral to my success and I must vouch for using them to prepare. However, the unending support from everyone as I chased my dream and goal is really what made this accomplishment possible. Having love and support from others is the best way to keep yourself pursuing your aspirations.”

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Project based learning

What is project-based learning? And why is everyone talking about it? Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching style that has students combine real-world skills with subject area concepts to find solutions for their long-term class project. Madison Academy incorporates this teaching style in a few of their classes, including Public Relations 101.

In Public Relations 101 students’ core project is planning the Neely’s Bend 5K, which benefits the Madison Academy work-study scholarship program, as well as the 100 Club of Nashville, a local community charity.

 The students begin by learning about the foundations of public relations and how to create a strategy to effectively engage the community as participants and sponsors. They practice skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and critical-thinking. Activities include preparing and giving a speech at the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce, designing flyers and posters for the race and learning how to market using social media platforms. This is just the beginning; their skills will ultimately be tested at the April 22 event. Want to be part of it? Sign-up here.

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Snow Day Solutions… e-Learning

Yes! You heard correctly. Our teachers are working on an e-Learning plan just in case the snow-pocalypse happens to Nashville again. We are out of snow days and do NOT want to make up days on Sundays in April or after graduation in May.
The plan is simple: Should we need to call a snow day, “classes” will be held online. Each class will be 50 minutes long beginning every hour from 9 AM. We will cancel periods 1 and 8. If is Friday, a text alert will notify students which schedule (M/W or T/Th) to follow. Students with a 0-Period class will have course work.
9 AM – Periods 2 (M/W) or 3 (T/Th)
10 AM – Period 4
11 AM – Period 5
12 PM – Periods 6 (M/W) or 8 (T/Th)

Students can sleep in a bit and still be done in time to play in the afternoon snow.

Some teachers have already practiced in class and others will soon. We appreciate the feedback we are getting from students.
Parents with concerns about internet connectivity should communicate with administration soon.
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Students enjoy service scavenger hunt