The new year means changes to the instructional leadership team for Neely’s Bend Middle School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools. Phillip Hammonds, assistant principal at McMurray Middle, will move into the executive principal role at Neely’s Bend.
“Mr. Hammonds has shown his commitment to middle school education and is dedicated to our middle
school transformation process,” said Dr. Lora Hall, associate superintendent of middle schools. “We are
excited to see what he will bring to his new role in the new year.”
Hammonds began his career in Metro Schools as a language arts teacher. He has served at Antioch
Middle, J.T. Moore Middle, McKissack Middle, Stratford High and McMurray Middle schools, serving in
various positions that include classroom teacher, coach, athletic business manager, principal designee,
team leader, Title I coordinator, and interim principal to assistant principal. He has worked with various
initiatives that include International Baccalaureate (IB), Professional Development Schools (PDS),
Smaller Learning Communities (SLCs) and Fast ForWord (FFW).
Hammonds holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Tennessee State University, as well as a
master’s and specialist degrees in administration and supervision. He is near completion of the doctoral
program.
Classes for Metro Nashville Public Schools resume Thursday with a half day for all students.
Students will not attend school Friday which will be a teacher inservice day.
Grades 1-12 will have a full day Monday with a half day for pre-k and kindergarten students. All students will have a full day Tuesday.
To help parents prepare for the first day, MNPS has started a Back to School Guide on
its website. Through social media and Customer Service Center inquiries, MNPS has compiled a list of
answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Immunizations
An official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization is required for entry into school and is only available from a private
healthcare provider or from the Metropolitan Public Health Department. State law requires that the completed
certificate must be provided to the school before the child can attend school. In 2010, Tennessee introduced new
requirements that primarily impacts incoming pre-school, Pre-K, and 7th grade students. The Metro Public Health
Department will be offering a Fast Lane Immunization Clinic for children, Aug. 8 – 12 and Aug. 15. The clinics will be
open from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Lentz Public Health Center. Immunizations will be free to Davidson County children,
kindergarten through 12th grade.
Additionally, United Neighborhood Health Services is offering immunizations and physicals at its Dickerson Road
Clinic now through the first day of school. TennCare and private insurance plans are accepted. Uninsured patients are
also welcome, with fees based on a sliding scale. Click here for more information on this event.
Bus Routes
Bus routes are now available for the 2011-12 school year. Parents can find out what time their bus will pick up and drop
off each child by visiting Your Bus Stop.
Dress Code
While many Metro schools still require Standard School Attire (SSA), many others have requested variations or
exemption from SSA to better fit their individual school needs. The majority of elementary schools have maintained SSA,
allowing students the option of wearing a larger variety of shirt colors. Middle and high schools are more varied. To find
out what dress code policy your child's school follows, please call the main office of that school and ask about the
Standard School Attire policy. Click here for a contact list for all schools.
School Supply Lists
Each school and its teachers determine the specific supplies needed each year. Please contact the school or visit the
school web site for specific details. You may also find supply lists posted at many area department stores.
Code of Conduct
Our schools follow the MNPS Code of Conduct. You can read the full Code of Conduct, which includes an outline of
behavior expectations in all of our schools, on the Code of Conduct page.
District News
Families wishing to keep up to date on district news and events can sign up to receive Children First! email updates,
follow MNPS on Twitter, or become a “fan” on Facebook.
MNPS Customer Service Center
Parents with questions can contact the MNPS Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.,
at 259-INFO (4636). Monday, Aug. 8, the Center will extend its hours to 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to
call now. The week class resumes is typically the busiest week of the year.
