Be More Magazine Fall 2012 Print Version

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Be More.

Your Community

Your Options

Your Interests

Intersession Opportunities for Families of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools

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Messages from MNPS Community-Based Opportunities MNPS School Intersession Contacts Te n G o o d R e a s o n s t o R e a d t o Yo u r C h i l d r e n Metro Human Relations Commission

Be More.

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Be More Magazine is published by: C

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Alignment Nashville Melissa Jaggers Associate Executive Director melissa@alignmentnashville.org

Messages from MNPS Community-Based Opportunities

Metro Nashville Public Schools Alison McArthur Community Achieves Program Coordinator Alison.McArthur@mnps.org Michael David Media Michael Thompson Owner/Publisher michael@michaeldavidmedia.com

MNPS School Intersession Contacts

11 11 Ten Good Reasons to

To advertise, contact

Read to Your Children

12 Metro Human 12 Relations Commission

Dear Metro Nashville Public Schools' Families, We are excited that your child is joining us for MNPS' inaugural intersession this fall. Our goal is to help every student excel academically and find engaging and challenging programs that will accentuate their regular classroom studies.

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s we prepare for the October intersession, we want to make sure you have the information you need. Our schools and community partners have stepped up to offer our students many wonderful opportunities that will break learning out of the everyday classroom.

Intersession is designed to give students access to 路 enriching activities that will keep them engaged in learning, 路 targeted academic help, and 路 the opportunity for activities outside of school like job shadowing or volunteer work.

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Michael David Media P.O. Box 2513 Brentwood, TN 37024 www.michaeldavidmedia.com (615) 832-5388 Tel | (615) 832-1040 Fax

For this reason, we asked our schools to take the lead in developing many of the programs and deciding which to offer.

They know their students best and can give them what they want and need.

We know you'll find a great program to fit your child and your families needs this intersession. This magazine will serve as a guide for you and your family as you explore the numerous opportunities available. The contact information provided on pages eight and nine gives you a direct link to your school's intersession coordinator. This is the person who will be able to tell you exactly what your school offers and how you can get your child involved.

We look forward to serving your child and know this will be a great intersession!

Sincerely,

Jesse B. Register, Ed.D.

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Our Shared Core Values: Collaboration | Care and Trust | Being Responsive | Shared Ownership | Inclusion Always

What is Parent University?

Session Topics Include l Bullying Awareness

& Prevention l Parent Connection

(GradeSpeed) l Parent/School

Communication l Advocating for Your

Child

l Preparing for

College l Adolescent

Development l Financial Literacy l Computer

Literacy/Safety

l Adult Learning

Parent University is a partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and Alignment Nashville to provide resources, information and courses to parents on a variety of topics. Working with local community organizations and providers, workshops at Parent University events cover topics that are designed to help parents raise self-confident, disciplined and motivated children; empower families with knowledge and strategies to support their child’s learning throughout the academic career.

l Common Core

Parent University

Standards l Family Enrichment

- is Free to families - offers courses in Spanish - includes meals and childcare at most events.

- offers transportation to summer conferences.

(gardening, exercise, arts, etc.) l Others as

requested

For more information on Parent University, future events, becoming a partner, or volunteering, please visit www.mnps.org or contact Pamela Burgess at (615) 298-8056

BECOME A SCHOLAR AT METRO SCHOOLS’ K-12 STEM MAGNETS The STEM theme is for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. STEM magnet schools will prepare students to be highachieving, socially aware, scientifically literate, respectful and responsible citizens in a global community.

Deadline to apply is Friday, November 30.

For more information please call 615-259-INFO or visit www.mnps.org

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MNPS Festival e c i o h C First Join all Metro Schools at the first annual Metro Schools First Choice Festival to be held at McGavock High School, 3150 McGavock Pike,

Thursday, October 18 from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. with special remarks by Mayor Karl Dean at 5:30 p.m.

Every family in Nashville has at least two choices in public schools—a zoned school and one other—and we want every family to make an informed choice. This free festival will help families make smart decisions for their children in a fun atmosphere.

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Community-Based Opportunities AdventureScienceCenter ScienceQuestDayCamp www.adventuresci.org 615-862-5177

Homework Hotline www.homeworkhotline.info 615-298-6636ortoll-free888-868-5777

Science Quest Camp at Adventure Science Center provides a wide range of science enrichment programs for youth in grades K-6.

Programs combine science, technology, engineering and math in ways that encourage kids to actively discover and examine concepts for themselves. Our staff strive to inspire a life-long passion for learning and teach kids creative problem-solving skills, teamwork, persistence and follow-through in a fun learning environment. In addition, the Adventure Science Center will be open for families to visit during intersession; please visit our website at www.adventuresci.org or call 615-862-5160forhoursand admission rates.

BethlehemCenters 615-329-3386 Sfleming@bethlehemcenters.org,www.bethlehemcenters.org Offering Aftercare options for 5-10th graders during intersession who are enrolled in current programming for Youth in the Bethlehem Centerservicearea.

Homework Hotline provides one-on-one FREE tutoring by phone to Middle Tennessee students and parents. With Homework Hotline, students tackle new concepts, complete challenging assignments, and gain academic skills. Homework Hotline WILL be open regular hours (4-8 pm, Mon-Thurs)duringIntersession.

Ms. BizYouth Entrepreneurship MsBiz@MsBiz.net www.msbiz.net 615-243-2383 Bean Entrepreneur!Startyourown businesswith Ms.Biz! Do you like making crafts or jewelry? Sports or computer games? Turn your talents & skills into a REAL money-making business! Students will create logos, ads, business cards, a website, and get a Ms. Biz briefcase to keep all their work! Microsoft Word and Powerpoint skills needed.

Computers are provided.

Cheekwood Arts& Gardens (615)353-9827 www.cheekwood.org/Education/Classes__Workshops.aspx

Dates:Intersession October8-12;Fee:$250 Grades4-6: Mornings(8am-12noon);Grades7-9: Afternoons(1pm-5pm) Where:TBD; Seewebsitefordetailsorcall 615-243-2383 REGISTER and pay ONLINE at www.MsBiz.net by Oct. 5-- just 20 seats available

Visit Cheekwood with your family during Intersession, or take advantage of the exciting series of Intersession camps offered by Cheekwood for students ages 5 and up. For general hours and admission information, visit www.cheekwood.org or call (615) 3568000.

NashvilleChildren'sTheatre 615-252-4675 www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org Nashville Children's Theatre is offering Intersession drama camps for grades K-8! Financial assistance may be available for families that qualify.

Forcamp schedulesand information,go onlineorcall.

CountryMusicHall of Fame 615-416-2088 The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will offer exciting learning opportunities and experiences for students of all ages during Intersession. Call or email nlavine@countrymusichalloffame.org for moreinformation.

Every branch of the Nashville Public Library will have exciting events for you and your family during Intersession! From toddlers to teens, all MNPS studentsand familieswill find somethingexcitingto do attheLibrary.

FristCenterfortheVisual Arts www.fristcenter.org 615-244-3340 Visitors 18 and younger are always FREE! The Frist Center is family friendly - we offer children and their families a fun and welcoming place to make and explore art. Martin ArtQuest open every day till 5:30 p.m.; Frist Center open Monday-Wednesday, Saturday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.;Thursday–Friday9a.m.-9p.m.;Sunday1-5:30p.m.

Goodwill Industriesof MiddleTennessee Goodwill will offer Customer Service Training Program for high school students (ages 16+). This workshop will teach them how to provide good communication for customer service (important in all relationships as well as work), conflict resolutions concepts and diversity training. Classes will be offered from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at the Goodwill Lifsey Center (937 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208). Students will need to bring their own lunch (there is not a cafeteria available). If there are additional questions about the training or students want an application to enter theprogram,pleasecontact: SamSmith:samuel.smith@givegw.org or346-1256 DebbieGrant:debbie.grant@givegw.orgor346-1237

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NashvillePublicLibrary www.library.nashville.org 615-862-5800 Call forbranch locationsand activities.

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NashvilleZoo Animal Training101:Grades5-12 The Nashville Zoo is offering a unique program geared towards students with an interest in learning more about how zoo animals are trained. The students will attend a brief lesson on positive reinforcement training, practice training their peers, witness training demonstrations by keepers at the zoo, and conclude by seeing an animal show. This session is open to all MNPS students.

Date:Tuesday,October9,2012OR Wednesday,October10,2012 Time:9:00am-12:00pm(both sessions) Location: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (students will be meeting at Croft MiddleSchool and teacherswill escortthemto and fromtheZoo) Cost:$5/student Registration: Please contact Ms. Beverly Bell; Beverly.Bell@mnps.org, AssistantPrincipal CroftMiddleSchool (615)332-0388ext.204 Questions:NashvilleZoo (615)833-1534ext.142 A mid morningsnackwill beoffered,lunch will NOTbeprovided.

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ReadyforSpanish 615-484-0855 info@readyforspanish.com or www.readyforspanish.com Learn to read, write and speak Spanish! Try us For FREE!! Contact us todayto begin yourFree14DayTrial.

Second HarvestFood Bank Volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank with your family! Second Harvest needs volunteers every day to help sort and pack food donations, prepare BackPacks for hungry children, as well as assist with special events and administrative support. When you donate your time to Second Harvest, you become a partner in the fight against hunger in Middle Tennessee. Every Thursday night is Family Night, and kids ages 6 and older can volunteer with a parent. Please visit the online at http://secondharvestmidtn.org/act/volunteer/ for more information andtosignup.

STARS (StudentsTakinga RightStand) STARS will facilitate a 3-hour session to address anger management and to support young people develop skills to resolve conflict peacefully.

This session is appropriate for 7th through 12th grades. The registration fee is $10 per student and healthy snacks will be provided. The STARS Intersession will be held at the Youth Opportunity Center located at 1704 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 200 Nashville, TN 37203. Contact Eric Johnson at ejohnson@starsnashville.org or 615-983-6802 for more information orto register.

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VanderbiltProgramsforTalented Youth DNA, Genetics, & Disease: This one day, Vanderbilt experience will introduce students to DNA and how understanding genetics can lead to better treatments for a variety of diseases. Students will complete several hands on inquiry based labs that include extracting DNA, biology lab techniques including gel electrophoresis, and understanding how disease spreads. Afternoon lab tours will give students a more in depth look at research at Vanderbilt and allow them to see Vanderbilt scientists at work.

October8,9am-4pm,$99,grades6-8* *Participants should have standardized test scores documenting performance at the 95th percentile and above on either verbal or nonverbal sections of academic achievement or ability tests. For more information and to register,pleasecall 615-322-8261 YMCA LatinoAchievers Latino Achieverswill offerprogrammingtheentireweek(October8-12): 8th – World of Work Tour; 9th – Service learning; 10th – World of Work Tour; 11th – CollegeTour; 12th – Scholarship bootcamp For more information about YMCA Latino Achievers events call 615743-6206, email lationachievers@ymcamidtn.org, or on Facebook – YMCA Latino Achievers.

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Community Partners Matched with MNPS Âą We would like to thank the partners and organizations that agreed to assist a school with intersession.

Contact the person listed below for more information about intersession plans at your child’s school.

Allen, Margaret Middle 291-6385 Donna P. Davis Amqui Elem.

612-3678 Rachel Williams Invent Now Kids Camp Invention Antioch High 641-5400 Lori Scobey Metro Human Relations Commission YMCA Latino Achievers Antioch Middle 333-5642 Rita Ramsey Apollo Middle 333-5025 Laschandar Brown Bailey STEM Magnet Middle 262-6670 Stacy Williams Bass, W. A. Learning Center 298-3278 Felicia Zagula Baxter Alternative Learning Center 650-5381 Kim Baker Baxter, Jere Middle 262-6710 Dawn Nelson Monroe Carell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt Bellevue Middle 662-3000 Lisa Walton Bellshire Elem. Design Center 860-1452 Barbara Gardner Book'em

Buena Vista Elem.

Enhanced Option 291-6762 Cynthia House YMCA

Crieve Hall Elem.

333-5059 Donna Carson Nashville Farmers' Market Bicentennial Mall

Caldwell Elem. Enhanced Option 291-6361 Michael White

Croft Middle Design Center 332-0217 Beverly Bell Nashville Zoo

Cameron College Preparatory 291-6365 x 6 Maria Mansour

Cumberland Elem.

291-6370 De'Jeane Croft

Cameron Middle 291-6365 Cari Bickel

Dodson Elem.

885-8806 Olivia Matthews

Cane Ridge Elem.

641-7824 Ms. Donna Wilburn Marathon Petroleum Company, LP

Donelson Middle 884-4080 Ingrid Fidler Waste Management Field Trip

Cane Ridge High 687-4000 Mary H. Charlton

Drexel Preparatory 724-1670 Denise Prather

Carter-Lawrence Elem.

Magnet 291-7333 Charlotte Freeman YMCA

DuPont Elem.

847-7305 Cathy Brown

Chadwell Elem.

860-1459 Paulette Dickerson Marathon Petroleum Company, LP Charlotte Park Elem.

353-2006 Ken Larkin YMCA Churchwell, Robert Museum Magnet Elem.

687-4024 Sheronda Freeman Cockrill Elem.

298-8075 Linda Weatherly Cohn Alternative Learning Center 298-6633 Victor E. Hoggett

Bordeaux Elementary Enhanced Option 291-6355 Latasha Morris

Cole Elem.

333-5043 Deborah Harris

Brick Church College Preparatory 352-1253 Brick Church Middle 262-6665 Mary Bennett Hands on Nashville

Creswell Isaiah T. Middle Arts Magnet 291-6515 Angela B. Smith

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DuPont Hadley Middle 847-7300 Michelle R. Osteen DuPont Tyler Middle 885-8827 Dottie E. Howe Eakin Elem.

298-8076 Nancy Bain Dragon Readers & Writers Camp with Vanderbilt Early, John Museum Magnet Middle 291-6369 Penny Blevins

East Nashville Magnet 262-6947 Steve Ball Edison, Thomas A. Elementary 501-8800 Jennifer L. Jones

Cotton, Hattie STEM Magnet Elem.

262-6981 Mildred Dobbins-Howse

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Enhanced Option 291-6380 Linda Tatum Gateway Elem.

860-1465 Patricia Cundiff

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Glencliff High 333-5070 Schonita Gordon Ford NGL Metro Human Relations Commission Meharry Medical College Ford Ready, Safe, Drive

Haynes Middle Health/Medical Science Design Center 262-6688 G. Teresa Parrish Book'em Haywood Elem.

333-5118 Caprice A. Givens Book'em

Glendale Elem. Spanish Immersion 279-7970 Shannon Beier

Head Middle Magnet 329-8160 Jacqueline B. Taylor Hands on Nashville, YMCA

Glengarry Elem.

360-2900 Julie Hopkins

Hermitage Elem.

885-8838 Vera L. White

Glenn Elem. Enhanced Option 262-6682 Michael P. White Tennessee State Museum The Hermitage

Hickman Elem.

884-4020 Yoshina Woods Giles

Glenview Elem.

360-2906 Malorie McClerkin

East End Preparatory 249-8834 Renee Meza

Binkley, Norman Elementary 333-5037 Tammy Dryden

Glencliff Elem 333-5105 Joyce Vaughn

Goodlettsville Elem.

859-8950 Kathleen Welch Goodlettsville Middle 859-8956 Linda Barrett Gower Elem.

353-2012 Brenda Sue Hatcher Gra-Mar Middle 262-6685 Tamasa Pinkerton Granbery Elem.

333-5112 Gail Mondelli YMCA Green, Alex Elem.

876-5105 Glenda Uselton Green, Julia Elem.

298-8082 Lance High Invent Now Kids Camp Invention Harpeth Valley Elem.

662-3015 Cynthia Evans

Hill, H. G. Middle 353-2020 Karen D. Barnes Hillsboro High 298-8400 Jill Dupre' Hillwood High 353-2025 Betty Whiteside Howe, Cora School 262-6675 Barbara E. McEwen The Frist Center, Adventure Science Center Nash. Volunteer Mission, Eastwood Neighbors Hull-Jackson Elem.

Montessori Magnet 291-6601 Mary E. Kelley Hume-Fogg High Academic Magnet 291-6300 Suzanne Warner Hunters Lane High 860-1401 Patricia Arnold Metro Human Relations Commission Inglewood Elem.

262-6697 Yvonne Collins Chelton

Jackson, Andrew Elem.

847-7317 Harris-Hillman Exceptional Tassie Pugh YMCA Education 298-8085 Joelton Elem.

Adora Ross 876-5110 Nashville Public Library Lisa Woods Nashville Zoo

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Joelton Middle 876-5100 Teresa Darlene Barnes Johnson School 291-6414 Kathy E. Burke Field trip - TBA Jones Elementary Paideia Magnet 291-6382 Camille S. Flemming Book'em Joy, Tom Elementary 262-6724 Vicky J. Kelley Kelley, A. Z. Elementary 941-7535 Sue Rosinbum EFNEP/UT Extension Kennedy, J. F. Middle School 501-7900 Mary Hamblen King, Martin Luther Jr. Magnet @ Historic Pearl High 329-8400 Sarah A. Gudger KIPP Academy Nashville 226-4484 Chantelle Stoxstill Kirkpatrick Elementary Enhanced Option School 262-6708 Alyce B. Simmons Knowledge Academies 800-6814 Demia Espinal Lakeview Elem. Design Center 360-2912 Terry Ayres LEAD Middle 352-1253 Gerri Stewart LEAD Academy High 327-5422 Norma Harris Liberty Collegiate Academy 564-1965 Amber Garner Lillard, Robert E. Elem.@King's Lane 876-5126 Carol Carver Litton, Isaac Middle School 262-6700 Darlene J. Gentry Martha O'Bryan Center

Lockeland Elem. Design Center 258-1330 Pam D. McClain Nashville Public Library Madison Middle 687-4018 Christie L. Jett Major, Ruby Elem.

232-2203 Margaret A. Puckett Maplewood High 262-6770 Vannosal Jordan Marshall, Thurgood Middle 941-7515 Brenda P. Roberts Book'em Maxwell, Henry Elem.

333-7180 Kathy Culwell McCann Alternative Learning Center 298-8090 Joyce H. Hicks

Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Industry Magnet High 329-8150 Tamro D. Lewis

Mt. View Elem.

641-9393 Debbie R. Therber

Pennington Elem.

885-8918 Lynn Pridy

The Academy at Old Cockrill 335-7913 Carl Carter

Murrell School 298-8070 Linda Hockaday Centerstone Frist Center for the Arts IHOP Walmart

Priest, Percy Elem.

298-8416 Lolita L. Kinnard The Science Guy

The Academy at Opry Mills 810-8306 Judith Vokes

Robertson Academy 333-5175

The Cohn School 298-6617 Victor E. Hoggett

Napier Elem. Enhanced Option 291-6400 Nicole Buchanan

Rosebank Elem.

262-6720 Deborah A. McKeever

Nashville Big Picture High @ Martha Vaught 353-2081 Vickie Castro Notes for Notes Recording Studio Stax Museum Nashville Preparatory 538-7284 Kate Cooper

McGavock Elem.

885-8912 Janet Al-Hassan

Nashville School of Arts 291-6600 Vickie Songer

McGavock High 885-8850 Lavonda Johnson Entrepreneur Center Metro Human Relations Commission, TN Bar Assoc., Volunteer State Community College McKissack Middle 329-8170 Sharon Verge Downtown historical sites McMurray Middle 333-5126 Judy B. Walden

Neely's Bend Elem.

860-1471 Linda S. Harp Neely's Bend Middle 860-1477 Polly Cauthen WKU MTSU New Vision Academy 360-1115 Terri Leahey Old Center Elem.

859-8968 Sheila M. Osborne

Meigs Middle Magnet 271-3222 Barbara L. Klausner

Oliver, Henry Middle 332-3011 Lylia Jane Hazzard

Mills, Dan Elem.

262-6677 Juanita G. Hutcherson Piedmont Natural Gas East Nashville YMCA MNPS Middle College High @Nashville State 353-3742 Kimberley A. Presnell

Overton High 333-5135 Mary York Lipscomb College of Pharmacy LP Metro Human Relations Commission Paragon Mills Elem.

333-5170 Kim M.Young

MNPS Virtual School 463-0188 Sherry Hill x 3900 Moore, J.T. Middle 298-8095 Sherri L. Von Rotz Adventure Science Ctr.

The Academy at Hickory Hollow Sonya L. Dowell

Moss, J. E. Elem.

333-5200 Joyce D. Wilkey Nashville Zoo

Park Avenue Elem.

Enhanced Option 298-8412 Rebecca M. Goodman FUN Co.

Rose Park Middle Math/Science Magnet 291-6405 Janice M. Bass Ross Elem.

262-6728 Dr. Angela Chapman Martha O'Bryan Center Shayne Elem.

332-3020 Sandra E. Rozell Shwab Elem.

262-6725 Mary E. Pylant Smithson-Craighead Academy 228-9886 Allison Driver Smithson-Craighead Academy Middle 868-0882 Joanne Jaworski Stanford Elementary Montessori Design Center 885-8822 Connie Orstrom STEM Preparatory Academy 921-2200 Wandalize Ruiz Stratford STEM Magnet High 242-6730 Mary Cartwright Volunteer State Community College

Tulip Grove Elem.

885-8944 Patricia D. Hickerson Tusculum Elem.

333-5179 Peggy Reilly Two Rivers Middle 885-8931 Dr. Shelly Dunaway Una Elem.

360-2921 Tracy Pinkard Warner Elem. Enhance Option 291-6395 Alan Meguiar Metro Parks West End Middle 298-8425 Patricia M. Ketchum iCARE-TN Work Your Money Westmeade Elem.

353-2066 Vicki L. Jones-Maddox Whites Creek High 876-5132 Carolyn Malone Metro Human Relations Commission Whitsitt Elem.

333-5600 Trudy Chandler Wright Middle 333-5189 Torie Stokes

Stratton Elem.

860-1486 Tanya Gatwood Nash. Zoo, Nash.

Science Museum The Frist Ctr, Visit local college – APSU or MTSU Sylvan Park Elem.

Paideia Design Center 298-8423 Tammy R. Burns

± These are current matches that were finalized at press time.

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Ten Good Reasons to Read to Your Children

As a parent you have many important priorities when it comes to your child. You need to keep your child safe, healthy, and loved. In today's hectic world, we often spend so much time engaged on those priorities we forget another important area -- mental stimulation. As parents we need to engage our children's minds as well as their bodies in order for them to grow and learn. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is through reading.

5. Reading demonstrates how a book works, such as that we read a book from front cover to back cover and a page from top to bottom, and a line from left to right. Those of us with long experience with books take this knowledge for granted but young children need to learn these simple rules.

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7. Reading a variety of stories helps children learn how story structure and narrative works which will help in literacy as well as social interaction. Human beings use storytelling and narrative in our professional and personal interactions and the people who have the best grasp of narrative technique are often the most successful in these areas. Give your child an edge.

here are a number of reasons why you should read to your child. If you are already reading to your child on a daily basis then these reasons should strengthen your resolve and if you are regularly reading to your child they should challenge you to do so: 1. A carefully selected story challenges and engages your child's mind. Through books your child can not only re-live experiences in their own life but also learn and experience cultures and events far removed from their current scope.

2. Reading out loud demonstrates what good reading sounds like and provides a goal for the child's literacy efforts. As your child learns to read, he or she will need role models to follow. Shouldn't you be one of them?

6. A well-written story stimulates your child's imagination and creativity which can foster their own creative efforts and play.

8. Making literacy a priority in your life will demonstrate its importance to your child so they will make it a priority in theirs. If your child never sees you read then why would they think it is important?

9. Reading to a child also promotes physical contact as your child sits on your lap or cuddles beside you. It provides another opportunity to strengthen your bond with your child.

3. Sharing a variety of books improves your child's knowledge of language including vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation. The more your child knows about words and language then the more knowledge and experience she will have to draw upon while learning to read and the easier it will be for her to learn.

10. Listening to the human voice can be very soothing and especially when it is the voice of a loved one. It can help lower stress levels and bring comfort. Children face many stresses during the day just as do adults. You might find taking the time to read to your child not only reduces their stress level but yours as well.

4. Reading with your child helps the child connect print words and meaning. Children learn to read many words simply through repeated exposure. It is not enough to simply provide words and instead the words must also be placed in context.

You should make reading to your child a part of your regular daily routine but also include spontaneous opportunities as well. Not only will these moments draw you closer to your child and provide lasting memories but you are also giving your child benefits that will impact their entire life.

Changing Lives. BUILDING FUTURES.

(615) 329-3386 www.bethlehemcenters.org Like us on Facebook

Offering aftercare options for 5-10th graders during Intersession who are enrolled in current programming for Youth in the Bethlehem Center service area.

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The Metro Human Relations Commission: Serving One City … All People

In the Nashville-Davidson County community, there are many different organizations that provide support and assistance to make a positive difference in people's lives. Each of them has a reason for existing and a passion for what they do. The Metro Human Relations Commission (MHRC) is no exception.

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he MHRC was established in 1965 to “protect and promote the personal dignity of all people” by helping secure their safety, health, security, peace and general welfare. It was the first human rights organization of its kind in Tennessee. It benefits the community with a versatile menu of services that help people and organizations understand and defend their civil and human rights. The agency is comprised of seventeen volunteer Commissioners appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Metro Council. It also provides multicultural education and compliance enforcement as mandated by Metro Code, and engages in advocacy for new and improved Metro policy.

In 2000, the Commission adopted the theme, “One City, All People” to emphasize its commitment to cultural diversity and

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inclusion as a benchmark of community vitality, safety, and wellbeing. Because Metro Davidson County is home to individuals and families comprising a wide array of beliefs, traditions, values, perspectives, abilities, languages, identities, and backgrounds, MHRC programs focus on cultural awareness and understanding, civic engagement, positive intergroup relations, and social justice. The Commission also partners with community and civic organizations, educational institutions, law enforcement, businesses, and houses of worship, to advance its mission and foster cohesive and inclusive attitudes and practices that can make Metro Nashville a better, safer, and culturally richer place to call home.

MHRC programs include Diversity in Dialogue, a conversation and action-forum series focused on topics such as race, immigration, school achievement, and religion and spirituality. Diversity in Dialogue allows small groups of people to effectively engage issues of vital importance to the community. The Commission also offers mediation and other creative conflict services for community members, groups, business, and agencies, and a range of customized diversity education programs covering employment law, fair housing practices, human rights, workplace harassment, bullying, social-emotional learning, and cross-cultural communication and other subjects of interest.

Commission in that its singular charge is serving the residents of Metro Nashville and Davidson County. Committed to serving the best interest of residents, the MHRC also collaborates with state, federal, and local organization and agencies to enhance our enforcement services and help ensure that residents' rights are protected. In situations that lie outside the MHRC jurisdiction, timely referrals to appropriate agencies are also to provide the people of Davidson County with quick and satisfactory resolution of civil rights complaints.

For more information about the Metro Human Relations Commission and all it has to offer, visit the MHRC website (www.nashville.gov/humanrelations) or our Facebook page ( w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / N a s h M H RC ) .

We we l c o m e information and feedback that will help us better serve the people of Metro Nashville and Davidson County. If you or a member of your family has a question or complaint about discrimination, you can contact us by telephone at (615) 8803370, by e-mail at mhrc@nashville.gov, or online at http://www.nashville.gov/humanrelations/compliance/complaint.

The MHRC is located in the Metro Office Building at 800 Second Avenue South; our offices are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Additionally, the Commission is charged with compliance enforcement—receiving and investigating inquiries, complaints, or reports of real or perceived discrimination or other violation of civil rights. The compliance process promotes the opportunity for open dialogue between the parties involved, formal mediation, and diversity training and coaching for individuals, ensuring that rights are protected and upheld and eliminating opportunities for discrimination.

MHRC assists residents with complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and the like.

It works to resolve inquiries of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, financial services, commercial transactions, and public accommodations--all free of charge to residents.

Another remarkable service of the Commission involves its auxiliary aid service, which over-the-phone interpretive services for more than 150 languages. This service has helped countless families new to our city and our country adjust and thrive in their new home.

Further, the Commission accommodates those with hearing disabilities as well, providing assisted hearing devices, interpretation and/ or CART services to ensure accessibility of its programs and services.

MHRC is unique and distinct from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity

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