My School Rocks!® (MSR) is a publication of Kidz Biz Publications, LLC, that provides an innovative and engaging monthly magazine to foster respect for education and engage primary school students to read and learn. MSR is a free, full-color monthly publication dedicated to covering education, entertainment, sports/fitness, and community events for students, their parents and school faculty.

Michael Phillips founded Kidz Biz in November, 2003 with the belief that if a community makes kids its business, everyone succeeds. With plenty of business savvy, a passion for education and children (including four of his own at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools), and an experienced staff, Mr. Phillips began a quest to foster excitement about the creativity and hard work happening in classrooms all over the county. The result was My School Rocks!®.

After two years in serving parents of preschoolers and elementary schools, interest began exploding all over town to include middle and high schools as well. MSR was the first publication to let parents know what is happening in each of the schools and has become a learning tool for educators, parents and students alike. Today, MSR is distributed to Charlotte-Mecklenburg pre-kindergarten centers, elementary middle schools, and high schools and go home in the backpacks to the parents. The magazine is also available at racks in restaurants, libraries, YMCA’s and other family-friendly locations around town.

The cornerstone of the magazine is the unique “Rockin’ Reporters™” program whereby students in grades 5th -8th apply for a chance to interview many cover subjects. The reporters chosen, learn how to develop and ask questions and to write about their experience. Past cover stories have included interview with NASCAR star Jeff Gordon, Miss USA 2005 Chelsea Cooley, American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken, baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. and tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, celebrity chef Marvin Woods and the Harlem Globetrotters. The excitement on the kids’ faces when they meet and interview these individuals is priceless.

The publication reinforces its mission to foster respect for education in communities by providing both a means of expression and a fun, positive and interactive educational resource for the students, parents and teachers of area schools.

Sincerely,
Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips leads My School Rocks! Magazine with the belief that if a community makes kids its business, everyone succeeds. Years of experience with marketing and product distribution, as well as personal experience as a father of four, give him the expertise and commitment necessary for setting high standards for his staff. Mike's daily involvement in CMS events gives him the hands-on presence in our schools to make the magazine current. His energy and positive outlook define My School Rocks! Magazine.



Resa Goldberg has 19 years of experience in journalism. With a master's degree in the field, she has worked as a reporter and writer for television, radio, magazines, and newspaper. Her work has been published in both local and national publications. She is an award-winning author of children's fiction with two boys of her own.



Jay Owen is an artist with a passion for reaching CMS children through print design. He began his career in the mailroom of a press plant, where he quickly became head of the advertising department and later lead the newspaper's regional art departments. Jay has also won many NC Press Association awards, including Best in Show.