At the beginning of the school year, Dr. Angela McShepard-Ray, principal of MLK Magnet High School, explained the current physical and academic condition of MLK at a press conference with the newspaper class.

Many people, including Dr. McShepard-Ray, are excited to experience the finished renovation of the school. All the major construction, such as the Annex, new cafeteria, and the music and engineering wing, is completed. Dr. McShepard-Ray believes the revamped physical structure is the most important change at MLK.

“I remember the hallway that got very narrow,” she said. “Towards the end of the year, water was coming down from the second floor. I think about that every so often.”

Another major change, Dr. McShepard-Ray addressed student concerns about the lunch schedule. Transitioning from a single schoolwide lunch block to three different lunches, some students are worried about being separated from their friends and fellow classmates. However, she explained how the integration of grades in certain classes didn’t allow for a single senior lunch, for instance. She suggested students host outside events like class socials and gatherings in lieu of the single lunch.

Dr. McShepard-Ray is optimistic for this school year and pleased at the positive attitudes of the student body.

“This school year has been one of the smoothest, one of the most positive school years that has started,” said Dr. McShepard-Ray.

Students have proven academic excellence and practiced discipline. In the Integrated Math classes, students and teachers participate in what she calls “productive academic struggle.” This teaching method allows for students to be active in their learning and for teachers to facilitate class.

Academically, the data for middle school and overall growth is apparent compared to recent years. Dr. McShepard-Ray informed that all grades are excelling in TNReady and End of Course exam scores, although Advanced Placement exam scores vary among different AP courses. The executive principal emphasizes that the priority for the students should be academic success.

“We’re here for academics, first and foremost. In the grand scheme of things, we’re here to be in class,” she said.

These test scores impact whether a student is placed in MTSS during PLT or not, which may concern many of the affected students. However, Dr. McShepard-Ray reassured that the block days can be adjusted. Flexibility in the MTSS periods would allow students in the remedial MTSS to have time to be in study hall.

Dr. McShepard-Ray also encourages students to communicate with their class officers and SGA representatives to implement all-day activities and fun.

“There are other components we can do, maybe during the school day or outside of the school day… We’ve got two pep rallies, tentatively, that are on the books, senior off-campus days,” she adds.

 Dr. McShepard-Ray also described the future plans and improvements MLK could implement.

“Students’ needs drive the master schedule,” said Dr. McShepard-Ray.

Combined with the seriousness of the student body and the positive sportsman-like conduct, Dr. Shepard-Ray is hopeful that students’ ideas become enacted with the help of administration, staff, and student representatives.

“I was looking forward to hear, on Friday, who the school as a whole chose for SGA President, and then, of course, the class officers,” she said.

This means additions like new world languages can be accommodated by students’ desire and capable teachers willing to teach the course; in fact, classes like Theatre, Chorus, and Multivariable Calculus have been incorporated in the course list at MLK. Pep rallies and all-school day activities are all possible. The work and drive of the student body voices different needs and concerns which can result in school year fun and productivity.

“I wouldn’t say that I look forward to one specific thing, but there are different things throughout the year that I look forward to seeing,” said Dr. McShepard-Ray.