FAST FACTS:
keli.rabon@wreg.com
(Memphis 12/22/2009) At just 25-years-old, Michael Whaley is the youngest founder of one of Memphis' newly approved charter schools, a school targeting the city's youngest students, in grades K - 5.
"Statistics show that if a child is not at least a modestly efficient reader at the end of third grade, they're unlikely to even graduate high school," Whaley said.
With that same 'no time to waste' mentality, Whaley is already promoting his K-5 school on the Internet, using YouTube videos, Facebook fan pages, and Twitter to spread the word.
"I saw it as an opportunity for more people, more friends, colleagues across the nation and across the world really to see what's possible here in Memphis," Whaley said.
Whaley believes it's possible for tuition free, public charter schools like his to revamp a child's educational experience here in Memphis. To do that, he says the school will need an extra financial boost, beyond normal taxpayer funding. Whaley is asking for donations to help buy textbooks, uniforms, and more.
"Even a small amount, $25, will help purchase a student's uniform, which will go a long way to setting the culture of the school," Whaley said.
And this former MCS teacher says, he's up for the challenge.
"Those hoops are nothing compared to a lot of challenges our kids are facing, and we're more than willing to do what it takes and show that we're opening up with the strongest school possible," Whaley said.
To learn more about this school, visit www.memphiscollegeprep.org.
- MCS approves seven charter schools
- Memphis will now have 26 charter schools, the most in the state
- Charter schools will serve students from kindergarten thru high school
keli.rabon@wreg.com
(Memphis 12/22/2009) At just 25-years-old, Michael Whaley is the youngest founder of one of Memphis' newly approved charter schools, a school targeting the city's youngest students, in grades K - 5.
"Statistics show that if a child is not at least a modestly efficient reader at the end of third grade, they're unlikely to even graduate high school," Whaley said.
With that same 'no time to waste' mentality, Whaley is already promoting his K-5 school on the Internet, using YouTube videos, Facebook fan pages, and Twitter to spread the word.
"I saw it as an opportunity for more people, more friends, colleagues across the nation and across the world really to see what's possible here in Memphis," Whaley said.
Whaley believes it's possible for tuition free, public charter schools like his to revamp a child's educational experience here in Memphis. To do that, he says the school will need an extra financial boost, beyond normal taxpayer funding. Whaley is asking for donations to help buy textbooks, uniforms, and more.
"Even a small amount, $25, will help purchase a student's uniform, which will go a long way to setting the culture of the school," Whaley said.
And this former MCS teacher says, he's up for the challenge.
"Those hoops are nothing compared to a lot of challenges our kids are facing, and we're more than willing to do what it takes and show that we're opening up with the strongest school possible," Whaley said.
To learn more about this school, visit www.memphiscollegeprep.org.
