September 2020

These past few weeks, I took a few minutes to read some posts and comments from other school districts across our nation. Originally my motivation was researching how other PTO/PTA organizations were supporting their school communities during Virtual Learning. One thing I noticed quickly…This school year is challenging for everyone, but we will continue to move forward and accept the challenge.

Due to current pandemic safety measures, this year will certainly look very different. We view 2020/2021 as an opportunity to reinvent our PTO roles. Maintaining school community and supporting and encouraging teachers, students, and their families are very important to us. Our immediate goals are to promote school spirit, help make connections, and point everyone in the right direction for additional assistance. We will continue to share tips and information as we receive it.

After many conversations and much thought, we decided the best way to communicate with everyone is the following 4 platforms:

Meigs PTO Website: https://www.meigspto.com/
Meigs PTO Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/MeigsPto
Instagram https://instagram.com/meigspto?igshid=lcxfpqgrbgf9
Meigs PTO Learning Pods & Community Connection https://www.facebook.com/groups/238990073536430/

In addition, other great resources are posted on:
Meigs Middle Magnet School Website http://www.meigsacademicmagnet.org/
MNPS District Website https://www.mnps.org/

We understand multiple emails, websites, social media sites, may seem overwhelming. We put together an “Information Cheat Sheet” and hope this resource will be helpful.

- If students need additional help, and/or have questions – please encourage them to utilize the teacher’s virtual office hours.
All teachers’ emails are listed on the school’s website.

- Homework Hot Line
Monday – Thursday / 4pm-8pm / 615-298-6636

- Susan Purcell-Orleck …SEL Facilitator/ susan.purcell-orleck@mnps.org
SEL Social & Emotional Learning
​​Article of the Week
​​SEL for Parents
​​Weekly SEL Lessons
​Also helps with Typing.com website

- School Counselors
Melony Osborne Grades 5 & 7 melody.osborne@mnps.org
Belinda Hotchkiss Grades 6 & 8 belinda.hotchkiss@mnps.org
School counselors serve students and parents when they have concerns about academic achievement, test interpretation, registration, orientation, school transition, child development, special student needs, crisis situations, family transitions, and educational planning.​

- Evrits Online Directory
www.meigsdirectory.evrits.com
If you’ve never used the online directory email or need help, contact
Melanie Claybrooks / Melanie.claybrooks@mnps.org

- Absent Excuses
If your child is absent, notify the office by emailing
Kathryn Forrest / Kathryn.forrest@mnps.org

- Schoology 101/ Learning Resources / Meigs Virtual Learning Resources
All 3 can be accessed from Meigs School Website Home Page

- If you have tried all available resources provided and still need additional assistance you can always contact:
Dr. Scott Underwood – Principal scott.underwood@mnps.org
Dr. Sonja Rosse – Asst. Principal Sonja.wilson-rosse@mnps.org
Dr. Carmen Mullins – Asst. Principal Carmen.mullins@mnps.org

- Technology Support
Passwords, Laptop, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Office 365, Teams, Clever, Schoology
615-269-5956 7am-7pm
615-259-8787 8am-4:30pm (if you need a translator)
August 31-September 18, 2020: In-person tech support – locations listed on MNPS Website

- Family Information Center
familyinfo@mnps.org or 615-259-INFO / 5:30am-5:30pm
They can answer your questions, comments, or suggestions directly.

Metro Nashville Public School Board
Meigs School is located in District 5
Christiane Buggs – District 5 School Board Rep
Phone: 615-525-5371 or Email: CBuggs@mnps.org

You can follow Ms. Buggs on her Facebook page…Buggs For Schools
Her other social media links are posted on her page.
She always provides great information and resources.

The MNPS School Board meets every second & fourth Tuesday of the month
Location: ​ MNPS Board Room
​​2601 Bransford Avenue
​​Nashville, TN. @ 5pm
***Due to the implementation of social distancing, seating at board meetings is limited. You can view the meetings on the Metro 3 Channel or the meetings are posted on YouTube. Board of Education meetings currently are held online, you can email or call board members directly. Due to online meetings, I’m not sure if Public Participation Sign-ups to speak 3 minutes at the meeting is allowed at this time.

The school board represents the public’s voice in public education, providing oversight for what public schools need and what the community wants.

I honestly feel…everyone is trying their best during this time of transition and uncertainty. We are all figuring this out together. Please be patient and be kind with each other. Our MEIGS family is strong,and together or apart we can stay connected at heart. It’s the students, teachers, parents and administration that make the difference…not the classroom.

The PTO always welcomes new ideas, comments, questions and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out and contact us. We are happy to help or direct you to someone who may be able to help you.

Respectfully,

Yvonne Bostick
PTO President 2020/2021