The Aspiring Teachers Program is continuing to support SCS employees! Educators teaching on a permit, waiver, or Practitioner license are EXPECTED to participate in Online and Tutoring Supports if they are being offered for any outstanding exam educators still must pass.

Online Support

Review details about online study supports here. Through the program 240 Tutoring, SCS offers online study material for Praxis exams, National Evaluation Series (NES) exams, and/or Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCEs) at no cost to our active employees. Exams with online study guides may be reviewed here.

Tutoring Support 

Study sessions are being scheduled in Microsoft Teams now and are open to any active SCS employee. Currently Praxis tutoring is available for:

• Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (code 5001) Praxis




• 5002 – Reading and Language Arts Subtest – tutoring schedule available here


• 5004 – Social Studies Subtest – tutoring schedule available here




• English to Speakers of Other Languages (code 5362) Praxis – tutoring schedule available here


• Spanish: World Language (code 5195) Praxis – tutoring schedule available here

We are scheduling tutoring sessions for additional Praxis exams and will share updates in Teacher Weekly and Leaderboard as they become available.

Hard-to-Staff Special Education Support

Hard-to-staff support is available to any full-time, active SCS employee. Interested employees should:

• Attend a Teams meeting info session on 1/20 at 4pm (details here) OR watch our info session recording here: https://youtu.be/HfM1Ww9SdOI 


• Complete this interest survey no later than 1/15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBLWQG6

Portfolio Submission: Per the State, student growth portfolio implementation and all other educator evaluation practices will continue unless otherwise dictated by the legislature.

To this end, all Pre-K, Kindergarten, Fine Arts, World Language, and K-5 Physical Education teachers must complete a portfolio submission to the State for SY2020-21. Please note, failure to complete a portfolio submission for SY 2020-21 may result in disciplinary action.

Portfolio Access: Portfolio teachers who have received an email from Portfolium regarding access must click the activation link to fully activate the account. Please contact the Office of Employee Performance and Support if you require additional assistance at eps@scsk12.org.

Any teacher who has not completed the information from the form for SY2020-21 will not have current year access to Portfolium. Please complete the information link here no later than January 18, to receive access to Portfolium.

Please note, completion of the form does not give immediate access to Portfolium. The information from the form has to be forwarded to the State for verification and upload to Portfolium.

Media Release: The media release form is captured during new student registration and returning student updates.  A list of students without a consent form on file was emailed to portfolio teachers and school administrators on January 8.  

If there are any additional needs or concerns as it relates to media release, your school secretary can access the documents in PowerSchool.  In the event, you require assistance in Power School, please contact your assigned Data Specialist at 901.416.6649.

Please remember that SEED Open Labs will be offered every Wednesday from 3:00pm-3:30 p.m. during the month of January. These informal sessions will be designed to take questions from participants concerning the following Chronic Absenteeism topics:

• Attendance Reconciliation


• Truancy


• Enrollment


• Suspensions/expulsions


• State Reported Data

This is simply an additional tier of support beyond our normal daily consultations and an opportunity to ensure that we are addressing the specific needs and questions of each participants. If you are not able to make the Wednesday Open Labs and would like additional support opportunities, feel free to email Dr. Blocker, Manager of Attendance, Equity & Discipline blockerj@scsk12.org. Also, continue to check PLZ for SEED trainings.

 Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 901-602-6178,,184807132#   United States, Memphis

Phone Conference ID: 184 807 132#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

In an effort to increase student awareness of school counseling and mental health services, the Office of Student, Equity, Enrollment and Discipline (SEED) is asking that you allow time within the school day for your school counselor and mental health clinician to co-facilitate a student orientation session. During this virtual meeting, your students will learn who these professionals are, their roles and responsibilities, and how to access services. 

Orientation Session Expectations:

• School counselors and mental health clinicians will consult with school administration about the particulars of scheduling, for instance to decide if the session will be offered to all students at once or by grade level.


• Sessions will be scheduled between January 11 – February 12.


• The time frame for each session will range between 30 to 45 minutes.


• Sessions will be interactive to promote student engagement and include a question-and-answer segment and post-session survey.

Please send all inquiries to Dr. Angela Hargrave, Executive Director of SEED HARGRAVEAL@scsk12.org

The SEED Re-CAP event was a great success and your feedback and participation revealed that you found the 2-day learning experience beneficial! The information provided during the sessions will assist you in smoothly starting your 2nd semester, especially as we continue to satisfy our chronic absenteeism goals. To further assist, SEED has provided video links to each of the individual sessions, which can be found below. Feel free to utilize these videos for continued training with appropriate staff throughout the remainder of the year. Contact Dr. JB Blocker, Manager of Attendance, Equity & Discipline at blockerj@scsk12.org if you have questions.

Cleaning Attendance Data

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/6ae4a08b-d06a-4b7e-b2b7-2e50b634b14b

Homeless & DCS Student Enrollment

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/98c34954-b738-4c38-89b6-5978d49abff5

Truancy & Homebound Processes

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/da087113-5406-42f1-8087-04a213da8870

Discipline Data Entry

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/d33d649f-56cf-4255-bc5d-a28c07edc108

Restorative Practices in Hybrid Settings

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/0dda7c43-c674-49fc-943e-7f3eca5d5ad7

Tiered Supports & Protocols

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/9ece39ca-226c-4fdb-85b2-2cc2ac1f5bcf

Information including eligibility criteria and the online application for the Cameron William Selmon Scholarship can be found at www.justiceforcameron.com. The deadline for students to apply is March 15. This information has been shared with SCS high school counselors.

The deadline for the University of Memphis First Scholars Program is February 1. Flyers outlining scholarship details in both English and Spanish have been disseminated to SCS high school counselors. First Scholars Program allows first generation college students to apply for up to $20,000 in scholarships over four school years.

The following schedule for the month of January highlights the various topics that students will explore while completing the weekly challenges:

Jan. 4-8: Exploring Earth Science Data
Jan. 11-15: Space Science
Jan. 18-22: Data Science- Esports
Jan. 25-29: Arts, Technology & Communications

For additional information on the department’s COVID-19 and school reopening related resources, please visit https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus/reopening-guidance.html. For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.    

TDOE TSIN.pdf

In the wake of the January 6th insurrection that led to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, the District's Social Studies Department has provided a list of resources designed to support teachers and students in participating in conversations about the events that took place at the United States Capitol. Please reach out to Chunmeka Wayne, K-5 Social Studies Instructional Advisor, Suzanne Shovlin, 6-8 Social Studies Instructional Advisor, or Brian Davis, 9-12 Instructional Advisor for further information.

SCS Social Studies Resource Guide for January 6 Events.

The i-Ready Winter Diagnostic window closes Jan. 29. The test will be administered remotely. Below are key reminders to have a successful window and gather good data!

1. Partner with Families: Creating a strong partnership with families is the most important step when assessing from home. This is particularly important with families of younger students, who may be more tempted to help. Use tips and tools in this Kit to support - and share this list of specific resources with families.

2. Prepare and Motivate Students: Encourage teachers to use the appropriate grade-level slides in this deck to facilitate a lesson with their students.

3. Actively Proctor Remotely: Learn from the promising practices of a teacher who did this successfully in the fall.

4. Use the Diagnostic Status Report to monitor completion.

5. For all tips and tools when assessing at home, visit i-ReadyCentral.com/AssessAtHome and for guidance from SCS visit: http://www.scsk12.org/ireadydiagnostic/

The Academic Operations and School Support (AOSS) Manual contains pertinent information regarding civil rights violations and harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying. Detailed protocols on these topics can be found at the link below. Please review this information and discuss it with your staff.

 https://bit.ly/CivilRightHarassmentBullying

The Mailroom department has been severely affected by COVID-19. As a result, this will affect the SCS District’s mail delivery. Your location will receive a pick-up and delivery twice a week until the staff can return to work.

We appreciate your understanding! Please contact Kenneth White with any questions.

The Curtis L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship was established to assist high school students in the Shelby County area continue their education while honoring the life and memory of Curtis L. Johnson. Please share this opportunity and encourage high school seniors interested in majoring in Computer Science to apply. 

Student can apply at www.curtisjohnsonscholarship.org

Application Window: January 15 - March 31.

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Those who serve in a TASL mandated role (principal, assistant principal) should do a "TASL Check-up" in their TNCompass portal (TNCompass.org). Please check your portal for each year you have served in a TASL mandated role and look for the green check mark indicating that you have met or exceeded the 14 hour requirement.  If you are TASL deficient, please complete a TASL Recovery Request . Email Emily Vuoso, vuosoeb@scsk12.org if you have questions.

The Memphis Police Department and Memphis Fire Department are recruiting future police officers and firefighters. The following flyer has been shared with all high school counselors to share with seniors. Please help spread the word as Memphis continues to grow its own police officers and firefighters. Recruitment information is included on the flyer.

MPD Blue Path and MFD Fire Cadet Flyer

1/21 - Module 8 Sentence Composition (PLC Coaches. Instructional Facilitator) Course # 24329 4-6 p.m. Join Meeting 

1/22 - Module 6 (Repeat) Fluency (Principals, AP, Elem K-8) Course # 24246 9 -11 a.m. Join Meeting 

2/4 -   Module 7 Sentence Composition & Vocabulary Acquisition (Principals, AP, Elem K-8) Course # 24246 4-6 p.m.

          Join Meeting 

2/8 -   Module 9 Vocabulary Acquisition (PLC Coaches. Instructional Facilitator) Course # 24329 4-6 p.m. Join Meeting 

2/19 - Module 7 (Repeat) Sentence Composition & Vocabulary Acquisition (Principals, AP, Elem K-8) Course # 24246 

          9 -11 a.m. Join Meeting 

Please register in PLZ. If any questions, please contact Gwendolyn Ingram INGRAMGM@scsk12.org or LaShanda Simmons SIMMONSLD@scsk12.org.

January Leader Learnings Flyer 

1/25 - TEAM A4- Progress Monitoring - Rita White & Kimberly Adams @ Westside ES

1/25 - TEAM B4- Ownership -Tracie Scott & Robert Davis @ Levi

1/25 - TEAM C4- Teacher Leaders-Alisha Kiner

1/26 - Servant Leadership Series Part IV- Unleashing with Foresight-Dr. Sam Shaw/Dr. Charlie Reese

1/27 - TEAM B5- Recognition & Celebration- Kymberli Chandler & Kimberly Rodriquez

1/27 - TEAM C5- Self Practice- Dr. Canidra McGuire & Melita Thomas

1/28 - Lessons from the C-Suite: Model the Way-Clarify Value and Set the Example -Dr. Antonio Burt & Chief Leon  Pattman

Registration is FREE

New Memphis presents 2021 Principal Booster Shots Professional Development.

Leadership vs. Management with Luis Orbegoso

Time: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. 

• Wednesday, February 10


• Wednesday, April 14


• Wednesday, September 15


• Wednesday, November 10

Whether you've attended before or not, join New Memphis in 2021 for an entire new series of development specific to school leaders! Learn from high-performing corporate leaders at quarterly professional development sessions that equip you with out-of-the-box strategies to drive retention in your schools.

Register via link

Contact:

Erin Wendell | Manager of Educator Engagement

New Memphis 
erin@newmemphis.org
901.646.0629  
www.newmemphis.org

PLZ # 24794

• 1/26  Zone 1- 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 2- 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 3- 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 4- 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 5- 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 10- 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 12- 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.


• 1/26  Zone 13- 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.


• 1-26  Zone 14 WEZone- 8:00 A.M.-11:45 a.m.

PLZ# 24555

• 1/29 Central Office 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. or  12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

2/3 - Culture & Climate – Part II “Learning Environment: The Premier Place to Learn” – Tommy Elliott

2/17 - Culture & Climate – Part III “Scaling Up Excellence: Establishing a Growth Mindset”

2/22 - “The Consciousness of Leadership” – Dr. Charlie Reese/Audrean Bond-Jones

2/24 - Culture & Climate Part IV “Scaling Up Excellence: Using Evaluation and Feedback” – Melanie Nelson, Aimee Marsh

2/25 - Inspire a Shared Vision: “Envision the Future” – Chief L. Visvanathan &  Inspire a Shared Vision: “Enlist Others” – Chief Gerald Darling

The WIDA Testing window will open next month on February 2. In order to prepare to transport student who selected virtual instruction and who are not in the parent zone of responsibility, schools will need to select the dates they would like to begin testing for this group of Els.

You will find the WIDA ACCESS Transportation Spreadsheet linked here. Each principal will need to type in the date(s) your virtual ELs will need transportation to school so they may take the required WIDA ACCESS assessment. Some example dates have been entered, but schools may choose different dates from those selected. When choosing dates, Transportation has asked that dates be consecutive. Additionally, we are requesting that no more than 30 students be scheduled to test on any given test date. Please complete the spreadsheet by close of business on Friday, January 22.  Finally, it should be noted that should SCS not return to in-person instruction, transportation will not be provided.

Please refer to the dates below when submitting responses:

Virtual Testing

Grades 1-5  Begin testing of virtual ELs (March 1-24)

Grades 6-12 Begin testing of virtual ELs (March 8-24)

Please recall, schools may begin testing those ELs who will return in person once ELs are back and have had time to settle into a school routine. The suggestion from the ESL Office is that schools begin to schedule testing those students who are in person the week following their return to school. Please reach out to your Advisor should you have any questions regarding scheduling for transportation.

WIDA Access Transportation for Virtual English Learners

The Office of Leadership is hosting informational sessions for assistant principals, vice principals and PLC Coaches who are interested in applying for the Aspiring Principal Fellowship Program for the 2021-22 school year.

Please see flyer for additional details.

The Mid-South Leadership Symposium 2021 Call for Proposals is now open.

Please see the flyer for full details of this year's learning on how to submit.

If you have questions, please contact Randi Scott Howard, scotthowardrk@scsk12.org .

High School students should be fully engaged in the next Naviance Activity Ensuring I Am on Track for High School Graduation. This activity consists of two tasks:

1. View course history in Course Planner (students must "create" their plan- it's quick and simple!)


2. Complete Road to 22 Reflection Survey

A lesson power point as well as instructions for students to create their course plan in Naviance has been disseminated to SCS high school counselors. If any there are any questions about implementing this activity or the associated tasks, please reach out to Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, High School Counseling Manager at taylorjt@scsk12.org .

The deadline is February 4.

February 5th is designated as half day administrative, and half day professional learning. Principals have the autonomy to choose which part of the day is administrative and which part of the day is for professional learning. The professional learning portion of the day should count for 3 hours and be recorded in PLZ.

We are asking that you submit your professional learning plans, including your agenda, and PLZ course code, to the following link: http://bit.ly/SCSPDFeb5 by EOD, January 29.

All attendance will need to be confirmed in PLZ by EOD February 5.

If anyone in your building needs PLZ Admin Rights, the next training is Thursday, January 21. Please register in PLZ using Course Code #25236.

We are excited to present another opportunity for educators to engage in the Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer Academy.  This Academy is for recently appointed MIE Ambassadors who did not attend previous certification sessions offered by SCS during September and October 2020. During this exciting two-day Academy, educators will learn how to leverage Microsoft’s hottest tools and resources to empower students to achieve more. In addition, participants will be equipped to serve as site-based trainers for others in the building.

The ideal participant for this Academy will possess the following qualities:   

• Effective use of technology in K-12 classrooms  


• Eagerness to adopt technology integration into all areas of student learning  


• Passionate about technology 


• Strong facilitator presence and rapport to redeliver content to peers 

Academy dates are January 19 & 20, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Attendance both days is required.

Please submit the name of selected educator(s) using the following link by noon, Friday, January 15: http://bit.ly/MIE-Jan2021

If you are submitting more than one educator to attend, please complete a separate form for each participant. 

This is an investment we are encouraging you to make as there is no stipend being provided for this training nor substitute teacher coverage for participants. Selected participants will receive session access links via email prior to the session. Participants will also receive PLZ credit for attending.

Courses to support teachers with implementing the Instructional Practices are available in Canvas.

• Courses for Instructional Practices 1 & 2


• Courses for Instructional Practices 3 & 4

Register in PLZ. 

Between January 4 and February 8, high schools may need to enroll students who have already completed their first semester in another district. The following steps should be followed for students who earned first semester grades and credits outside SCS prior to Winter Break:

• Students will receive first semester grades and credits earned in the school district where they were previously enrolled. These grades and credits will need to be entered in PowerSchool Historical as they appear on the official transcript received from the previous school district.


• Students should be scheduled for appropriate classes in which they would normally be scheduled. Students will audit scheduled courses, meaning they will earn grades for assignments/quizzes/tests completed between January 4 and February 8; however, those grades will not count towards any Q2/S1 grades. 


• Help teachers understand that since those grades will not count towards any Q2/S1 grading, the students will not receive a report card from SCS in February.

The Tennessee Department of Education has asked that all districts plan to participate in the state’s Online Verification Test. The purpose of the Online Verification Test is to test the load capacity of the online testing platform, TestNav. Keep in mind that TN has to undergo such testing in order to prepare for online testing in the future. As plans are finalized, we will be sending more detailed guidance, soon. For now, please see the general information below.

Date: March 4, 2021

Time: 8:30 AM (CST)

Duration: 30 - 45 minutes

Location: SCS school buildings

Participation: We will only test in-person (no virtual students), 3-8 and EOC math students

Grades: Schools will pick any TWO grade levels (e.g., An elementary school may pick grades 3 and 5.). We may test more grade levels depending on how many in-person students are available.

Score Reports: Students will not see score reports after the submission of their test.

Technology: The IT Department will be working with schools to get the latest TestNav application on devices.

The state is still in the process of updating districts with additional information regarding the Verification Test. Please monitor your email for updates. Additionally, please contact our office (Assessment@scsk12.org) with any questions.

After discussions with our District Office of Assessment and Accountability following the success of our 11th grade TruScore testing in Quarter 2, we are pleased to announce that we will be opening the window for our 10th graders to participate the online TruScore practice ACT during the entire month of March 2021.

This assessment window was chosen to ensure that the TruScore is administered at a time of the year when 10th graders have been exposed to a significant amount of course content, but not so late as to interfere with prep for and administration of EOC assessments. As this data will arrive in real time, well before the end of the school year (unlike the conventional ACT) you will have significant baseline data for preparing learning opportunities for your students in this and next school year as you move to craft your 2021-2022 ACT Plans.