Dear Parents and Students:
Let the third year begin for the premier school in Nashville, A. Z. Kelley. Once again the theme of this school year will revolve around teamwork. This year’s quote is “We are committed to coming together, sharing together, working together, and succeeding together.” The author is unknown. If we continue to work as a team, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
The district focus, under the state’s leadership, is to move Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools out of corrective action. MNPS, as a district, is currently considered in “corrective action” under federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation for repeatedly failing to meet certain student benchmarks. Although the district is in “corrective action,” it is no surprise that A. Z. Kelley continues to be in “good standing” as the students at A. Z. Kelley continue to perform at a level that exceeds the NCLB targets.
Because the students at A. Z. Kelley are the smartest, brightest, most creative children in the world, it is my expectation that all A. Z. Kelley students will graduate from high school and attend college. I am happy to report our second TCAP results were fantastic! 93.4% of our students tested proficient or advanced in Reading while 93% tested proficient or advanced in Math. Although this is a great starting point, we want all of A. Z. Kelley students to be advanced in all subject areas.
With the NCLB, No Child Left Behind, targets, we must remain focused on the achievement of all students. It will take a partnership between the school and home to make sure your child is successful. When you insist upon your child’s regular attendance and promptness to school, you are saying to your child, “school is important!” The NCLB requirement is a 93% attendance rate while Metro Nashville Schools requires a 98% attendance rate. That means your child should not miss more than four days of school this year.
I am looking forward to meeting all of our new students and their families. Please know that your child is my number one customer. I have worked diligently to hire additional talented members to our already spectacular faculty and staff to serve your children and make A. Z. Kelley the pride of Nashville. I am looking forward to another great year.
Respectfully,
Marsha Dunn
Principal