The View 38002 May 2014

**************ECRWSS**** Shelby County Primary Elections ~ Tuesday, May 6 ~ info@ shelbyvote.com PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER inform. educate. connect. 38002.com Arlington & Lakeland’s Community Newspaper Donelson ES Honored for Teaching Excellence By Terry Louderback Staff Photo Showing their Donelson pride were, back row: Arlington Town Superintendent Ed Haley, State Representative Ron Lollar, Arlington Mayor (and Donelson parent Mike Wissman, State Senator Mark Norris, Arlington Community Schools Chief of Staff Jeff Mayo. In front: Education Consumers Foundation representative Annie Miller, ACS Board members Kay Williams and Barbara Fletcher, Donelson ES Principal Cherry Davidson, ACS Superintendent Tammy Mason, and Arlington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tonia Howell. Donelson Elementary School was recognized on April 23 for being one of the top three most effective elementary schools in West Tennessee in terms of student growth. Principal Cherry Davidson commented, “I am so excited that the hard work of our teachers and students is being recognized. We work hard every day to ensure that our students have the best education possible.” The Education Consumers Foundation (ECF) presents its Value-Added Achievement Awards each year to just 18 of the nearly 1,300 public elementary and middle schools (six per region) in Tennessee. The awards are based on three- year gains in test scores across the entire student body, as measured by Tennessee’s Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). Schools whose students make the greatest annual gains, regardless of demographics, earn the highest value-added scores. According to Annie Miller, ECF representative, the results measure teacher effectiveness and are a credit to the leadership, curriculum, and methodology of the school. “These principals and their staffs have done an excellent job in helping their students learn,” said Tennessee's Commissioner Continued on page12 May 2014 theview theview Lakeland’s “Hidden Gem” International Harvester Managerial Park Offers Wide Range of Recreational Activities Story & Photos by Terry Louderback A farm, a nightclub, a private retreat, a civil defense headquarters—the land now known as “International Harvester Managerial Park” in Lakeland had a lively past before becoming the jewel in the City of Lakeland’s parks department. Located at 4523 Canada Road, this 65-acre park consists of rolling hills, five-acre fishing lake, a pavilion, picnic facilities, portable restrooms and running, biking and hiking trails through wooded areas. T h e p r o p e r t y wa s originally a farm before being purchased in the mid-1950s for $80,000 by International Harvester’s “Memphis Works Managerial Club.” A nightclub on the land was converted into a clubhouse for the 300 members, who used Lakeland Resident John Phillips enjoys the view across the water at Lakeland’s IH Park. Phillips is a regular visitor to the park and treasures its tranquility. the property on weekends for hayrides, dances (complete with jukebox), fishing and boating on the lake. Current Club President Phil Webb of Lakeland describes it as a “relaxing getaway” and recalls cutting the trails still in use today. In 1960s, the clubhouse also served as a Civil Defense Continued on page 4 Relay for Life 2014: Why We Relay By Terry Louderback A cancer survivor, a loving daughter, an eleven-year old: each has been inspired to battle cancer and lead a team in the fight for a cure. Relay 38002 is Saturday May 3 through Sunday, May 4, from 6:00 pm until 6:00 am in Arlington’s Depot Square. Part pep-rally, part community slumber party, this year’s Relay has a global flair. With the theme of “Where in the World is the Cure?” fundraising teams have adopted country names as part of the fun. Already, over $37,000 has been donated to the American Photo by Jeremy Elkins through the efforts of the 14 teams participating in the event. For Lori Kuhuski, Captain of Team Switzerland, and 24year colon cancer survivor, Relay for Life represents just one aspect of her volunteering with the American Cancer Society. Since 2010, Kuhuski has also served as one of approximately 500 Heroes of Hope nationwide. She explains that Heroes of Hope represent cancer survivors who are “exemplary” in their involvement with ACS. Kuhuski speaks publically about her cancer experience in an effort to raise awareness, to encourage others to get involved, and to share information about treatments. New to the area, Kuhuski visited Relay38002 last year, and chose to be a team captain for 2014. “I wanted to be involved with the Continued on page 7