Shelby County School closures to be discussed
Shelby County Schools will host an information session for the general public on the district’s proposal to close 13 schools in the county at the end of this school year (2013-14). The session will be 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the SCS board auditorium at 160 S. Hollywood. Superintendent Dorsey E. Hopson will talk about the rationale behind the potential school closings and the process involved.
There will also be an opportunity for public comments at the meeting. No decision regarding the future of these schools has been made yet. The list is a proposal. Additional community meetings about possible school closures will be scheduled after this initial district-wide meeting.
The district is recommending the following schools be closed:
- Alcy Elementary School
- Graves Elementary School
- Gordon Elementary School
- Klondike Elementary School
- Riverview Elementary School
- Shannon Elementary School
- Westhaven Elementary School
- Cypress Middle School
- Corry Middle School
- Lanier Middle School
- Riverview Middle School
- Vance Middle School
- Northside High School
Beginner square dancing class scheduled
For fun and heart-healthy benefits, join square dancers Feb. 4 at the Cordova Community Center from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
No experience is necessary for this beginning square dance class, which also includes a cake walk and door prizes. The event benefits The American Heart Association with a $5 donation.
Square dance Mary Ann Moats said, “Most of us like the idea of exercising to stay fit, but — let’s face it — most of us just don’t enjoy exercising.We all start the year going to the gym, walking, etc., only to find that after a few months these routines become boring and difficult to stick to. Why not jazz up your fitness routine with some social dancing – square dancing?”
She said the hobby is a great form of physical exercise that also works the dancer’s brains. She added, “Unlike traditional exercise routines, this activity is fun. Therefore you stick with it.”
She listed other positives about square dancing:
- It’s a cardiovascular workout that raises heart rates.
- Dancing regularly can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
- Calories burned are comparable to walking, swimming or riding a bike.
- Movements are interesting.
- The level of exertion is up to each participant.
- Some studies say that people who engage in aerobic exercises perform better cognitively.
“Square dancing forces the body and brain to be tightly coordinated,” Moats said. “Remembering all the calls and reacting to them as they are called whether it’s ‘do-sa-do’ or ‘teacup chain’ keeps the mind constantly sharp.”
She said there’s a positive, cooperative social aspect as well. “Square dancing provides a way to stay active and socialize at the same time. We call it ‘Friendship set to Music.'”
Moats continued, “With all these benefits, why not get up off the couch, get out and get active?”
For more information, call Moats at (901) 373-4497.
