The View 38002 December 2018 | January 2019 | Page 7

December 2018 / January 2019
theview
.com
ACS Wins “Top Workplace” Honors
LEF Grants Teachers’ Wishes
Special to THE VIEW 38002
By Tanya Wallace, LEF President, Special to THE VIEW 38002
Photo courtesy of LEF
The Lakeland Education
Foundation provided grants to
teachers for the fifth consecutive
year. It is our mission to help
them have the tools they need to
ensure all children are able to
work productively, feel included
and perform at their best. With
that said, LEF is proud to
announce the grant recipients
for 2018.
Several Lakeland Elementary
School teachers received grants.
Ms. Stephens, Ms. Hoffman,
and Ms. Welch had their “My
Space, Your Space” grant
funded for sectioned rugs and
color-coded tables. They will be
used to teach children about
personal space, encourage
friendships, tolerance, and
listening skills.
Ms. Sorenson and Ms. Kelly
were awarded funds to
incorporate
the
Imagine
Learning computer program that
helps the English Language
Learners with their reading,
writing, listening and speaking
skills.
First grade teachers Ms.
Griffy, Mrs. Carson, and Mrs.
Ramage all received grants to
incorporate flexible seating
options in their classrooms.
Teachers are finding that this
allows
students
to
feel
empowered by making a choice
where they sit and promotes
physical health by allowing
them to be comfortable and not
so sedentary. Children learn
how to share and take turns, and
they are also more focused and
engaged.
There were also several
teachers at Lakeland Middle
who received grants.
Mr. Adams and Ms. Richarde
were awarded funds to create a
Quiz Bowl team for 6th to 8th
graders. Quiz Bowl tests all
areas of knowledge, including
history, literature, math, science,
fine arts, current events, sports,
popular culture, and more. This
builds
teamwork
skills,
confidence and humility.
Mrs. Turner was awarded
funds to purchase Chamber
Music for the LMPS Orchestra,
which
will
provide
differentiated instruction. This
allows students of all ages and
ability levels to play music
tailored specifically to their
strengths and also their needs
for individual growth.
Ms. Criner and Mr. Adams
received funds to purchase
robotics kits to create a
competitive robotics team at
LMPS.
As stated by Ms.
Criner, “This will foster the
development of teamwork,
critical
thinking,
project
management,
and
communication skills required
to prepare them to become the
next generation of innovators
and problem solvers.”
Ms. Miller and Ms. Land
submitted a request for an
additional set of 3 drums, which
would have brought them to 21
from 18. However, the typical
class size is about 30 students.
So,
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LEF decided to fund 12 drums
to ensure all students can
participate collectively.
LEF also provided $2,000 for
the LMPS library.
Once again, LEF was able to
fund all grants requested this
year, for a total of more than
$17,000. If you would like to
donate, or to simply learn more
about LEF, please visit the LEF
website
at
supportlakelandschools.org.
Arlington Community Schools
has been ranked the 2nd overall
Top Workplace in the Memphis
Metro area by the Commercial
Appeal and USA Today
Network.
This recognition is based off a
survey
ACS
employees
completed earlier this fall that
asked about the district's culture
and climate, the direction of the
organization and offered benefits.
Of the 618 organizations
invited to participate in the
survey, only 55 companies were
named a Top Workplace in the
Memphis Metro area and Mid-
South region.
ACS was also ranked the 2nd
Top Workplace across all large
organizations (350 or more
employees) - this puts ACS in the
company of St. Jude Children's
Hospital (ranked 5), International
Paper Co. (ranked 3) and
Methodist Le Bonheur (ranked
6).
“We'd like to thank our
employees for the work they do
each and every day,” said
Superintendent Tammy Mason.
“It takes everyone in our district
to promote and maintain a great
culture throughout our buildings.
This Top Workplace award is
credited to our teachers and staff
for their contributions to
Arlington and its schools.”
ACS also ranked in the top 10
percent of all Top Workplaces.