News Summary
Humes Middle School, celebrated as the alma mater of Elvis Presley, is set to close by the end of the academic year. Families are being offered transfer options to nearby Westside Middle School. The district plans to repurpose the Humes building into a performing arts school, highlighting a focus on arts education in Memphis. This closure reflects ongoing shifts in MSCS educational strategies and opens discussions on the future use of historical educational facilities in the community.
Memphis – Humes Middle School, famous for being the alma mater of rock ‘n’ roll icon Elvis Presley, is set to close by the end of the current academic year, according to Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). The closure marks the end of a decade-long period where the school was under state care. Principal Freddie Thomas has officially communicated this closure to the families of the students currently enrolled at Humes.
Families have been provided with options for transferring their children to nearby Westside Middle School, which is promoted as a safe and welcoming environment for continued education. Details regarding the transition and the closure process were communicated to those affected by the decision.
In addition to the closure, MSCS plans to repurpose the Humes building. The school district is considering converting the facility into a performing arts school operated by the New Ballet Ensemble and School. These plans reflect a commitment to promoting arts education in the community. This repurposing is part of a larger initiative involving several school properties, where half of the agreements would enable existing charter school tenants to continue their operations on campus.
Another building owned by MSCS may be transformed into a warehouse as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to utilize its facilities effectively. The focus appears to be on finding innovative uses for school properties as some remain underutilized or in need of significant repair.
The decision to close Humes Middle School comes amid various shifts in educational strategies within MSCS, reflecting broader changes in student attendance and educational services. For over a decade, the school was under state management due to various performance issues, making the closure not entirely unexpected.
The announcement has elicited reactions from the community, particularly with the historical significance of Humes Middle School. Many residents recognize the school’s rich legacy tied to Elvis Presley, who attended the institution in the 1940s. While his attendance continues to foster nostalgia, the current situation raises important discussions regarding the future of educational facilities in Memphis.
MSCS has emphasized its commitment to student safety and education in its communication throughout the closure process. As families navigate the transition options, the district remains focused on ensuring that students receive the necessary support and educational resources needed during this change.
This change at Humes Middle School also underscores ongoing challenges faced by urban school districts across the country, particularly regarding managing facilities, student retention, and adapting to the needs of evolving educational landscapes. MSCS’s decision to explore new uses for the Humes facility speaks to a broader trend of community engagement in repurposing educational spaces to better serve local needs.
As Memphis looks to the future of its educational infrastructure, this pivotal moment raises questions about how the community can best utilize the historical and emotional assets of its schools while providing modern educational opportunities. Those interested in sharing feedback or suggestions related to these developments are encouraged to engage with their local education leaders and media outlets for further discussion on community priorities.
The transformation of Humes Middle School into a performing arts education venue represents hope for continued investment in the arts and culture of Memphis, encouraging collaboration between education and community organizations to foster creativity and learning in the area.
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Elvis Presley’s Alma Mater, Humes Middle School, to Shut Down after Lengthy Struggle to Improve Academic Performance
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Elvis Presley
- WREG
- Google Search: Humes Middle School Memphis
- Commercial Appeal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
- Daily Memphian
- Google News: MSCS closure Humes Middle School
