Teachers received an invitation to complete the Insight survey, which gathers feedback on key aspects of a school’s instructional culture. Through Insight, you’ll have an opportunity to receive constructive, candid feedback from your teachers in a report that outlines a clear roadmap for improvement. Results will help you support your teachers—and their students—even more effectively.   

But, we can only provide you with results if at least 40 percent of your teachers complete the survey (or at least four teacher responses for schools with fewer than 10 teachers). We hope you’ll consider taking the following simple steps to encourage your teachers to participate:  

1. Let teachers know you are eager to hear their feedback and will need to do so by Friday, 11/4.
2. Designate time for teachers to complete the Insight survey at a staff meeting, department meeting, or grade level meeting during the weeks that the survey is opened.  While we encourage you to provide this option, some teachers may feel more comfortable taking the survey away from a group so consider providing the time and letting teachers go to their classrooms to complete it.
3. Remind teachers that their survey responses will be kept confidential. TNTP will aggregate the data so that individual responses will not be identifiable.
4. Instruct teachers to reach out to Insightsurvey@tntp.org if they cannot find their unique survey link, or if they experience any technical difficulties while trying to complete the survey. Teachers should never forward survey links to their colleagues.

Throughout the survey window, please check the Response Rate Dashboard to monitor the survey response rates at your school. Please help us get the survey off to a strong start at your school by reaching out to your teachers today and encouraging them to take 15 minutes to offer their valuable perspectives on your school’s culture.   

If you have any questions about the survey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or email insight@tntp.org.  

Below is a template message you can edit and send to your teachers:  

• You received an invitation to share your perspectives on the Insight survey.  As you may know, we have partnered with TNTP, an education non-profit, to collect your feedback on the instructional leadership practices at your school. By participating in Insight, you and your colleagues will have an opportunity to share your experiences to help your leadership team identify ways to improve your school’s culture.  Please take 15 minutes before Friday, 11/4  to complete the survey. Your individual responses are completely confidential. TNTP will share reports and data with the school and district anonymously after minimum response rates and sample sizes have been met.   If you have any questions about the survey or are experiencing any difficulties in accessing the survey, please email insightsurvey@tntp.org. Thanks in advance for your time and willingness to share your perspective.

• i-Ready had a release this past weekend. A key update is the NEW Grade Level Scaffolding Report is now available for Grades 6-8, in addition to Grades 3-5!

• RTI Report Groups will be built out in the i-Ready platform this week, so school leaders can view data for RTI students once again. 

• Don’t forget to check out upcoming Professional Development sessions (see attached)!

Finalized PD Plan August - November 2022

ES Leaders, the SY2022-23 re-launch of Ready4K will take place the week of November 14th. You will recall that Ready4K is a research-based text-messaging program that will help parents continue their child’s learning at home. 
 

Through a special partnership between the TDOE and the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), Memphis-Shelby County Schools has offered pre-K through 4th grade families free access to Ready4K, and it is now expanding to 5th grade. 
 

Ready4K will deliver three texts weekly with fun facts and tips to provide parents with simple, engaging tips to help their child continue to learn while at home. 

Ready4K tips even help build on daily routines, like getting dressed, bath time, and preparing a meal.

Engaging in Ready4K requires no special equipment or additional steps by schools, teachers, or parents. Click the following links to learn more: 

Ready4K 1-Pager

Ready4K FAQ

Following each of the three screening windows, it is vital for the RTI2 Data Team to convene in order to review screening data and develop intervention plans for newly identified students. RTI2 Leads should ensure all new intervention plans and academic support plans have been completed in EdPlan and the DYS01 flags have been entered in PowerSchool, according to the dates outlined below:

Fall - October 28th, 2022 

Winter - February 17th, 2023 

Spring - May 24th, 2023

Additional supports for EdPlan and dyslexia flagging are available within the Curriculum Maps-RTI2-Assessments folder. Please see your RTI2 Advisor, contact RTI2@scsk12.org, or Dr. Maples, Program Director, with any questions.

Plan and Flag Due Dates for 22-23

Do you have new teachers in your building? Don't forget to share the content-specific 1-pagers developed by Curriculum & Instruction to assist with ensuring all teachers can access the district-approved curriculum tools and resources.

C&I ELA Resources 

C&I Math Resources 

C&I RTI2 Resources 

C&I Social Studies Resources 

C&I Science Resources 

Calling all RTI2 intervention providers! The RTI2 Team will be hosting the RTI2 Fall Academy at the beginning of November to engage all intervention providers in hands-on practice in creating effective intervention lessons utilizing district-approved resources. See the flyer for additional details, including PLZ information.

RTI2 Fall Academy Flyer 2022

Reviewing Personalized Online Instruction Progress – see attached cheat sheet that shows how to use the Personalized Instruction Summary Report to gather data on:

• % of students active in instruction 
• Avg minutes per student (per week/subject) 
• Average pass rates 
•  How to calculate the “Health Rating” if needed/interested
• RTI Report Groups have been built out in the i-Ready platform, meaning school leaders now can view data for RTI students as well. 

Check out the latest Professional Development schedules attached! These cover Admin/Teacher PD, Special/Exceptional Ed, Teacher Assistants/Paraprofessional PD, and Extended Learning

Finalized PD Plan August - November 2022

How To - Pulling Personalized Instruction Data in i-Ready 22-23

MSCS - Extended Learning PD 

MSCS - Revised 10.23.22 Teacher Assistant - Virtual Sessions

SPED i-Ready PD Schedule

Session Overview: During the 2022-2023 school year, supporting Biology EOC standards. Participants will learn how to utilize the online resource LABSTER and hands-on resources associated with the standards. 
Session Outcomes: As a result of attending these sessions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of district initiatives, instructional support, and Biology content knowledge. 

Sign up in PLZ: 

November 15, 3:30-5:00 (#65345) 

December 6, 3:30-5:00 (#65346) 

January 24, 3:30-5:00 (#65347) 

February 21, 3:30-5:00 (#65348)

Registrants will receive invite 24 hours before the session.

 
Please contact Terilyn McChriston, Science Manager, at mcchristontj@scsk12.org or Science Advisor Kimberly Jackson at jacksonkd@scsk12.org. 

Biology Monthly PD Informational - Made with PosterMyWall

As we Reimagine 901, schools will be given an opportunity to apply for one of three (3) Transformational Models that will serve to enhance the teaching and learning experiences at your school.  Participation in these models is optional. The models include:  

• Social Justice - This model engages students in the world of education in which students of diverse identities and experiences navigate in schools.
• Environmental/Outdoor Learning Spaces - This model is designed to enhance students' appreciation of how we shape our environment while identifying responsibility as global citizens.
• Leadership Academies - This model exposes students to positive role models as facilitators to help students learn effective ways to lead, manage, communicate and resolve conflict.

If you are interested in applying, please click on the link below. 

(THE APPLICATION OPENS NOV. 1, 2022)

                                                https://forms.office.com/r/apYamkfkYE

       As you begin considering the application process, please be advised of the following:  

• Schools can apply for one of the three models.  If your school received an award during the 2021-2022 school year – you may not apply again.
• A one-time funding amount will be awarded to the selected schools.
• The online application process will run from November 1-15, 2022.
• Between November 15th  – November 30th, the District Team will meet to vet applications for each model.
• Recipients will be announced on December 2, 2022.
• Between December 5th – December 9th the District Team will meet with selected schools to discuss deadlines (budget submissions) expectations, and the implementation process.
• Schools will be asked to complete their action plans and budgets by December 16, 2022.
• Between January 2nd – 13th 2023, schools will administer school-level professional learning for faculty/staff.
• Implementation of models will begin on January 16, 2023.   
• District-level staff will hold the first Benchmark monitoring meeting with schools during the week of February 13th – 17th 2023.
• The second Benchmark meeting will take place during the week of March 20th – 24th 2023.  Schools will be asked to submit their additional funding sources for the upcoming school year during this Benchmark meeting.
• The third Benchmark meeting will take place during the week of April 27th – 21st 2023.   

We are so excited to offer this opportunity!  If you have additional questions concerning the application process, please contact: 

Leadership Academies ~ Dr. Tonya Cooper – coopertd@scsk12.org 
Social Justice ~ Mrs. Russette (Penny) Jackson – jacksonrm@scsk12.org 
Environmental/Outdoor Learning Spaces ~ Ms. Yolanda Timberlake - timberlakeyy@scsk12.org 

 

Greetings Principals,

As we approach the holidays, we wanted to provide you with a copy of the protocol regarding Recognition of Religious Beliefs, Customs and Holidays.

Additionally, protocols regarding the following are included in the AOSS Manual:

• Display and Distribution of Non-District-School Materials - The protocol on the display and distribution of non-district/school materials in schools and to students requires approval.  Please review this information and share it with your team.
• Flag Protocol - TN State Public Chapter 754 requires the display of the American flag on school property and at school events to conform to the requirements of federal law. The guidance included the Flag Protocol should be utilized in order to ensure compliance with this state statute.

We are beginning the testing process for Civics for the 2022-2023 school year. In accordance with our usual procedures, we are asking building leaders to designate a Civics Lead for your school to serve as the main point of contact for all Civics exam procedures and updates.

 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lBwpK7Bet0SJ6kuvFuzEqfTZlahj-_RIlyzRSHSjc-RUQU9ZTFRXS1FNNjVHRFBINkcxWEswN0o4Qi4u 

Please contact Brian Davis at davisbc@scsk12.org if you have any questions.

Greetings Leaders of MSCS!

Attached you will find an interest form for the QUARTER 2 Saturday Biology Clinic. The purpose of this clinic is to increase our students' understanding of the TN State standards and increase their scores on the EOC. 

Please encourage the students in your biology classes to sign up. Students will engage in hands-on and online activities. So, students need to bring their MSCS issued device. 

It is free! 

Transportation, and lunch will be provided. The first clinic is scheduled for December 3, 2022, at White Station High School from 9 am-1:00 pm. 

-C & I Science Department

Q2 Saturday Biology Clinic

1:1 Classroom Devices for Teachers-Deadline extended to Friday, November 4, 2022

1.    All MSCS teachers who currently have a 1:1 teacher device must have a completed Computer/Device Checkout form on file with the District Office.  Print, distribute, and collect the Computer/Device Checkout form from any teacher who currently has a 1:1 classroom device.

2.    Scan all completed teacher forms into a single PDF file. Upload the PDF file here. (Up to 20 forms can be scanned into a single PDF file; up to 10 files can be attached per submission).  

3.    Report all extra teacher device inventory that has not been assigned to a teacher.

These three tasks must be completed before requests for additional devices will be processed.  

4. Click here to make a final request for a 1:1 classroom teacher device.  

a.   The request will only be accepted for the following instructional positions:  ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, ESL, SEA, Foreign Language, Exploratory {Music, Art, and Physical Education}.  

b.   A request may be submitted for Professional School Counselors and Librarians; however, these requests will only be approved if inventory allows.  

c.   Request for devices will not be processed for administrators, clerical staff, CCTE, or SPED teachers.

Attention: HS Leaders! 

In case your teacher of the Academic Support Complex Text course missed it in Quarter 1 or you have a newly assigned teacher for Quarter 2, an overview session of the new Academic Support Complex Text course will be held on Thursday, November 3rd, 3:30 pm-5 pm. This session will provide high school teachers of this course with a deep dive into the instructional components and curriculum materials. Click here to view the details and register in PLZ today! 

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org

The state requires each school to designate a Child Abuse Coordinator and Co-Coordinator. For Memphis-Shelby County Schools, each Principal will serve as the Coordinator and will identify one Professional School Counselor to serve as the Co-Coordinator. The Coordinators' names must be reported to the Department of Children's Services for each school annually. Also, a Refresher Training will be scheduled soon.

Please complete the link below by the extended date - Friday, October 28. If you have any questions regarding this law or any DCS-related issue, please contact Dr. Rhonda Hill, hillre@scsk12.org or Dr. Angela Hargrave, hargraveal@scsk12.org.

 Link: School Child Abuse Coordinator and Co-Coordinator Form 2022-23

Fall 2022 Student Voice Survey 

The Fall Elevate PERTS Survey runs until Nov. 15 and allows students to share the extent to which they are having affirming learning experiences. The survey will be conducted in all Algebra I and English I classrooms and will be administered by teachers. Teachers can view the training here. The survey will take approximately five minutes. All 9th grade students enrolled in Algebra I and English I should take the survey in both classes. For questions or additional information, please email Eric Hosman (hosmanew@scsk12.org).

Alternative Schools Student Referral Training

The Division of Alternative Education is offering course training in PLZ for the student referral process.

All sessions are one hour and will be held from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.  Sessions are available for sign up in PLZ NOW.

Please review and share the November DLD Guidebook for all details regarding the November 8th DLD. PLZ course information is included for registration, and the deadline to register is November 7th.  If you have questions, please email Emily Vuoso, vuosoeb@scsk12.org. 

The November DLD will take place on Tuesday, November 8 for a total of six (6) hours of professional learning. All attendance will be credited in PLZ by November 14, 2022. Registration in PLZ for November DLD will open on Monday, October 24, 2022 and will close on Monday, November 7, 2022. Details are now available available in the DLD Guidebook.

K-12 ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and ESL teachers will report to their school of record and engage in planning as outlined on individual school agendas from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. School administrators are asked to submit a school agenda by Thursday, November 3rd as how this time will be spent in grade level, content, vertical planning or a combination, applying to practice learning that has been provided to date. Submit agendas here for your school by Thursday, November 3rd.

All K-12 teacher types regardless of content or department must complete the TDOE required Dyslexia Training via Canvas. Register in PLZ to gain access to this three-hour course. Time is allotted on November 8th to complete the course from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted for a department, but the course will officially close on Thursday, November 10 at 11:59 p.m. to ensure that all teachers have ample time by which to complete the modules.

Non-core content teachers will meet as outlined in the DLD Guidebook.

If you have questions, email Emily Vuoso, vuosoeb@scsk12.org.

Blackboard Messenger ADVANCED User Training is scheduled for

Nov. 29: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

**This training is ONLY for those who have experience using Blackboard Messenger and will not cover the basics of the system. Attendees must have an active Blackboard Messenger account.**

The live, virtual, and interactive session will be led by an expert at Blackboard. It will cover:

• Creating groups of recipients from a simple and advanced search
• Selecting recipients from a map
• Sending a Message from an uploaded List
• Sending a message using message templates
• Creating and sending a survey
• Finding Assistance

Sign up for the session in PLZ to receive PD credit. The course number is 28440. There are only 15 available slots for this training session.

The training session can be accessed at  https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/db20e97c778b4a5181c76d3e9bfb5a58.

Contact Kyle Bullock (bullockkd@scsk12.org) with any questions. 

Principals, please ensure that your families have constant reminders to complete the “3 Key Checks” before students arrive at school each morning.

1. Record and send at least one robocall to families. (click here for the script)
2. Have your school PRO or designee update the school’s webpage to include the 3 Key Checks graphic (click here to view/download)

These tasks should be completed no later than November 14th.

The District has produced this reminder video, and it will be available online through our YouTube platform and other social media channels. If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to communications@scsk12.org.

The Department of Student Affairs is asking that all students in grades 4-12 complete the Student Voice Survey 

The survey is open until November 4, 2022

Learning, Leadership, and Life Student Voice Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/3jhxwiW92n

The purpose of this survey is to provide students with an avenue to share perceptions and voice their opinions of their learning and overall school environment. This makes the process of teaching and learning more reciprocal and can address issues of inequity by allowing students to participate in and influence decisions that will affect their lives and those of their peers. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Are you a highly impactful certified teacher? If so, your talents are needed to provide after-school tutoring and homework help for elementary, middle, and high school students Monday-Thursday each week from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Again this year, we have partnered with Homework Hotline to offer tutorial and homework support via the telephone and internet for K-12 students. If you are interested in serving as a teacher in this program, please review the linked Job Description. The application deadline is Friday, November 4, 2022. If you are contacted for an interview, please be prepared to take and pass an ELA and math skills test to tutor students.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Erin Luster at lusterey@scsk12.org. If interested, please email a resume to Homework Hotline at aldridgea@homeworkhotline.info.
 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools will host a Job and Career Fair for families Thursday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McFarland Community Center (4955 Cottonwood Rd, Memphis, TN 38118). The purpose of this fair is to provide our parents/guardians with opportunities to chart their own career paths with companies that are able to invest in their futures. We know that during these challenging economic times, many of our local residents are job-seeking, interested in career-changes, and exploring opportunities to gain additional educational experience and career certifications. 

As a pre-event session, we will partner with Shelby County Government to provide a resume and interview workshop Tuesday, November 1 at 5 p.m. at the Youth and Family Resource Center (3157 Powers Road Memphis, TN 38128).

In efforts to increase awareness and support for the District's Literacy Commitment, the Family and Community Engagement team has partnered with the University of Memphis Women's Basketball Team to provide an engagement opportunity for students and families. 

Coach Katrina Merriweather has committed to literacy, and our students and families are invited to join us for a basketball game Saturday, November 12 at 12p.m. when the Memphis Tigers take on the Howard Bison at the Elma Roan Fieldhouse. Families are asked to sign up for tickets online using the link below. 
 

Link to reserve tickets: https://bit.ly/MSCSNov12

The 5th Annual School Choice Showcase has been rescheduled and will now be held Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m from Hickory Ridge Town Center. We will follow the previous year's set-up, which includes a vendor/expo-style table space for each school.  

Over the coming weeks, you will receive information from our team about the set-up for the event, opportunities for student performances, and new event features for school principals. For now, we want to gather information from you and/or your school’s PRO about your school’s marketing materials. Please complete the information on the survey linked below.  

School Choice Showcase Marketing Materials Survey 2022 

In the meantime, here are a few notes to help you get started with planning.  

Tabling and Booth Information: 

You’ll need 4 people max at your table for the duration of the event. Suggested people include: an administrator, a student, a teacher (or teacher type) and a parent. Create a shift schedule to ensure constant coverage.  

You will have a 10 ft. space with a 6 ft. table and 2 chairs. Electrical outlets will not be provided. Table décor is encouraged, but helium balloons are not allowed. 

Printed Materials 

Each school is responsible for developing and printing any marketing materials needed for the event. All flyers, brochures, or marketing materials MUST be printed in color. Please work with your School PRO on determining which materials you will be taking to the event and ensuring you bring at least 300 copies ready for distribution. 

You will be receiving regular updates and more details over the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please let me know.  

Federal Programs is hosting a training session for Financial Secretaries entitled Using Federal Funds to Maximize School Spending.  The virtual session will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Please use Meeting ID: 267 350 223 553 and Passcode: mJ9z8Q to access the training via Teams.

As we move into the Winter Sports Season, Student Support and the Athletics Dept. would like to provide you with resources from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) that can be used to proactively address bad behavior at your school’s athletic events.

• NFHS Bench Bad Behavior ToolKit: Toolkit (benchbadbehavior.com)
• It includes printable flyers, program ads, social media posts and more!
• NFHS Parent Seat Video: https://nfhslearn.com/library/videos/478
• This video reminds parents how important they are to your student's experience and offer strategies for dealing with the stress of sitting in the Parent Seat.

Bad behavior continues to be a serious problem at athletic events—making it difficult to maintain a positive education-based athletic experience. Please use these resources to assist in communicating ways to set good examples within your school communities.

Please contact India Weaver at weaveri@scsk12.org if you have additional questions.