Cleveland State Community College has been granted continuing accreditation for its associate nursing degree program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
The ACEN Board met in March and found the program in compliance with all accreditation standards and criteria reviewed during a visit last fall.
"Accreditation is above and beyond the standards set forth by the state; it is the next level up. We were hopeful after the positive results of the onsite review team and the next team of reviewers, but nothing is final until the Board of Commissioners makes the final decision," said Nancy Thomas, director of the nursing program, in a news release. "We were so thrilled to receive the letter that we were full accredited for eight more years!"
Last week, the school was also given the green light to proceed with a major revitalization plan, including design on its first new building in 45 years - a two-story, $20.57 million health and science building.
The school's next onsite accreditation review will be in 2026.
Lookout Valley, Ooltewah seek funds for instruments
Two Hamilton County high schools are seeking help to win the 2019 Manilow Music Project contest to fund instruments for the schools' bands. The winner of the contest will get $100,000 to spend on new instruments and uniforms.
"This gift would make all the difference in the world," said Sam Mossbeck, a student in the Ooltewah band, in a news release. "It would make it so much easier to just focus on doing well in school and playing well."
The Manilow Music Project was formed in 2008 by singer Barry Manilow in response to budget cuts to the arts in public schools. The project works to support young musicians through music education.
To support Lookout Valley Middle/High's band, visit: https://manilowmusicproject.strutta.me/gallery?entry_id=1415639&filter=Leaderboard.
To support Ooltewah high's band,visit: https://manilowmusicproject.strutta.me/gallery?entry_id=1415577.
Registration open for STEAM summer camp
Rising students in fifth to eighth grades can now register for a four-week academic summer camp hosted by the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga that prepares students to excel in science, technology, engineering, art and math disciplines.
"Our STEAM program is designed to unleash creativity and curiosity in our next generation of leaders, makers and doers," said James McKissic, vice president and COO of the Urban League, in a news release. "Experts and educators agree that children learn best when multiple disciplines are integrated at once, especially when a creative component is part of the learning experience. Our program will enrich and inspire students through hands-on lessons and activities."
Campers will participate in activities that use coding, programming and math and science skills. The program also includes weekly field trips, cooking classes, yoga, African dance lessons, a soccer tournament and guitar lessons.
The camp runs from June 3-27.
For more information, visit www.ulchatt.net/ or contact Carlene Nord at 423-756-1762 or cnord@ulchatt.net.
Girls Inc. hosting video game expo
Seventh-grade students from the Girls Inc. of Chattanooga's Build IT program have created video games and will compete Thursday, May 16, at East Lake Academy of Fine Arts.
The games focus on the theme, "Stand-Up!" an each encourages action towards healthy living with topics including preventing bullying, ending gun violence, dealing with anxiety and improving low wage.
Students will present their games at the expo, assist in game play and answer questions about their games. They will also give a two-minute pitch presentations about their games for judges. Of the six games that are presented, prizes will be awarded.
The expo competition is open to the public. It is at 5 p.m. in Room 125 at East Lake Academy, 2700 E. 34th St.
If you have news about local schools you'd like included in Class Notes, email Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com.