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Donelson School News – February 2017

Written by Jeff Syracuse on . Posted in Donelson School News, News.

There are opportunities to make a direct impact on students that attend Metro schools right here in Donelson with specific needs.  There are a number of children in each of our schools that meet the criteria for being homeless and do not have adequate clothing and food needs.  Thanks to Grace Church of the Nazarene and Hip Donelson, you can donate towards helping support these students.  Donate towards the local school food pantries and clothing closets (school standard attire, socks, shoes, and underwear) by sending a tax-deductible donation but clicking here via the Grace Nazarene website or in person at the Hip Donelson Farmer’s Market starting again this May.  To donate items directly, they can be dropped off at Grace Church of the Nazarene at 2620 Pennington Bend Road, Nashville, TN 37214.

Two Rivers Middle School is also looking for reading tutors.  If you have 30-60 minutes to spare once a week to help a child read, then please contact Nicole Vaughn at Two Rivers Middle, 615-885-8931. They currently have 15+ children on a waiting list because they do not have enough tutors. 

To help you, below are Reading Clinic Training dates for this month.  The training is 90 minutes and it is helpful as you get to learn some cool reading games to play with the students.  Part of each reading tutoring session is listening to the child read for 15 minutes.  Next, you play a game with them for 5-7 minutes, then you listen to the child retell what they read (3-5min) and finally, the child writes for 3min.  Each training will be held at Carter Lawrence Elementary (1118 12th Ave South; the office of the Reading Clinics Director is there).  Please email Nicole Valentine at Nicole.Valentine@MNPS.org if you plan to attend a training and she will let the director know to reserve a spot.  The Two Rivers Middle Prep clinic is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-3pm according to the 30-minute time slot that works best for you (each tutor is asked to carve out 45 minutes once a week).  The clinic will be open for nine more weeks (minus spring break and state testing week).

  • Friday, February 17th from 9:30am – 11am
  • Wednesday, February 22nd from 9:30am – 11am

Metro Nashville Public Schools is requested input on the next component of their strategic plan.  Last November, MNPS solicited input on their Mission, Vision and Core Values Statements.  Next is the Student & School Characteristics, drafted by Dr. Shawn Joseph, MNPS Director.  Click here to view the Strategic Plan Process and give your input.

In Mayor Karl Dean’s last fiscal budget, he allocated $1 million to put aside towards investment in a campus each for Madison and Donelson of Nashville State Community College.  It has been a big effort by local and state elected officials as well as a number of community leaders.  Thanks also to Mia Keller with CBRE who was selected as the Tennessee Board of Regents broker for finding these campus locations.  I’m very happy to say that effort has been successful and the Tennessee Board of Regents has purchased the former ITT Tech campus on Elm Hill Pike.  The campus is in excellent condition and NSCC will be able to set up and open quickly.  Two stories about this development are here and here. 

Author

  • Jeff Syracuse

    Jeff has called Nashville home since 1998, moving here to complete his music degree at Middle Tennessee State University. He went on to complete his MBA in Technology Management from the Nashville campus of University of Phoenix, located in Donelson. Jeff was a first-time homebuyer in Donelson Hills in 2002 and soon became involved in his neighborhood and community.Jeff was born in Buffalo, New York. Jeff’s Dad retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel while stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia after serving 20 years of Active and more than 11 years of Reserve service in Buffalo, NY, St Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. Jeff’s parents are happily retired in Marietta, GA and enjoy the  warmer weather. His dad was President of the Georgia Department of the Reserve Officer’s Association and both he and his Mom stay involved in their neighborhood, civic organizations, and church. Jeff has one son, Joey, who attends Meigs Middle Magnet School.Jeff has been very active in the Donelson community for over a decade and has a deep appreciation and understanding of its rich history and a strong vision for a bright future.

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Jeff Syracuse, Jeff Syracuse, Metro Council District 15, Metro Council District 15

Jeff Syracuse

Jeff has called Nashville home since 1998, moving here to complete his music degree at Middle Tennessee State University. He went on to complete his MBA in Technology Management from the Nashville campus of University of Phoenix, located in Donelson. Jeff was a first-time homebuyer in Donelson Hills in 2002 and soon became involved in his neighborhood and community.Jeff was born in Buffalo, New York. Jeff’s Dad retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel while stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia after serving 20 years of Active and more than 11 years of Reserve service in Buffalo, NY, St Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. Jeff’s parents are happily retired in Marietta, GA and enjoy the  warmer weather. His dad was President of the Georgia Department of the Reserve Officer’s Association and both he and his Mom stay involved in their neighborhood, civic organizations, and church. Jeff has one son, Joey, who attends Meigs Middle Magnet School.Jeff has been very active in the Donelson community for over a decade and has a deep appreciation and understanding of its rich history and a strong vision for a bright future.