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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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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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Remodeling project becomes reality on Giving Tuesday

Mrs. Teleah Valles-Peters, Director of Development, kicked off a day long fundraising effort at chapel on Monday in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Foundation and Facebook Foundation to raise 25,000 for a remodeling/update of the lunch room.  On Tuesday morning students and staff were encouraged to make a Facebook fundraising page and to contact friends to support this drive.  Many students excited about the possibilities created their pages and waited.  The staff got involved as well.  Today Mrs. Valles-Peters announced on a live Facebook event that friends had raised $24,270.00.  She is hopeful that in the next few days that the remaining $730.00 will be given.  To watch the announcement go to our Facebook page.

The next day in chapel Mrs. Valles-Peters announced that the final $730.00 was donated.  To see this announcement go to our Facebook page.

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Marketing as Ministry Workshop

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Late night volleyball

The Student Association is again hosting a late night volleyball tournament the Saturday night of Alumni Weekend. You can sign up by clicking this link.  It is free to watch and cheer and there will be snacks for sale most of the evening.