The Newcomer International Center (NIC) is two-year, Intensive high school English program for new-to-country students who have had interruptions in their formal education and will be entering the 9th grade. NIC's specialized program allows students to gain literacy and numeracy skills while earning graduation credits in core subjects. 

If the student shows up at YOUR school:   

1. Register/Enroll the student
2. Notify the student’s ESL teacher if ESL services are needed
3. ESL teacher administers WIDA screener to determine level for possible eligibility
4. Students should not be sent to NIC without being approved via the referral process

If the student is already registered at a MSCS school:

1. Notify the student’s ESL teacher if ESL services are needed
2. ESL teacher administers WIDA screener to determine level for possible eligibility
3. Students should not be sent to NIC without being approved via the referral process

ESL teachers can submit NIC referrals for students that meet ALL the following criteria: 

23-24 Referral Form: https://forms.office.com/r/Sn7nkgd7qy

1. 14-17 years of age
2. Resides in the U.S. for < one calendar year
3. The first language is other than English
4. Never attended school/has gap in schooling/cannot produce documents that verify current grade level
5. WIDA Screener composite score between 1.0-1.9
6. Cannot be enrolled in MSCS in any grade other than Grade 9

NIC staff will contact guardian of the referred student and notify ESL teacher of guardian’s decision via email and/or phone call within 48 business hours of referral submission.

Greetings, School Leaders: 

As we approach the end of a successful first week of school, it is pivotal to highlight the significance of reminding teachers and staff to exercise sound professional judgment when supervising and releasing students during arrival and dismissal. At MSCS, safety is a top priority especially during school arrival and dismissal. Reviewing and following Board policies, rules and regulations, and the procedures and guidelines outlined in the school's handbook is essential to ensuring the safety and security of all students during this time. Please ensure that teachers and staff monitor the areas and remain alert and visible. Additionally, clear, and consistent communication about expectations can help with being proactive in maintaining student safety. Let's work together to keep our school community safe and secure. 

I truly appreciate your continued assistance and cooperation in maintaining a safe campus for all our children. Let's continue to emphasize our safety efforts to ensure all students, staff, and parents are safe.   

Please contact me with questions and/or concerns at jacksonrd@scsk12.org.

Greetings Leaders,

As we work to secure Ready Read student workbooks for all K-8 students, please note that both teacher and student resources can be accessed via the i-Ready Teacher Toolbox.  A step sheet for accessing the resources can be found by clicking the link below:

https://bit.ly/Ready_Read

The new 2023 AP® School Honor Roll is launching in October. This award recognizes schools based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

By August 31, confirm that your 2022-23 12th-grade and free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL) student enrollment data in AP Registration and Ordering are correct, as these data should be entered for your school to be considered for the award. Your school’s AP coordinator can make any necessary updates by signing in to AP Registration and Ordering. They should first change the school year to 2022-23 by selecting the year next to the school name on the homepage. Then, they should navigate to the School Information and Participation Contacts screen found under Settings. There’s no application process for this distinction. If a school doesn’t wish to be considered for the AP School Honor Roll, the AP coordinator should simply leave these data fields blank.

In the fall, the school principal, AP coordinator, and other school and district administrators will be able to see your school’s AP School Honor Roll status in AP Score Reports for Educators. To learn more about the AP School Honor Roll, download an overview (.pdf/1.3 MB) and visit the website.

Contact James Smith, AP Manager, if you have questions.

Attention High School Leaders: Project Graduation is currently open for Fall 2023 enrollment. Courses offered in the fall are synchronous distance learning with a certified teacher. Professional School Counselors have until August 17th, to enroll students in Part I & October 19th, for Part II classes, and they have already been trained on the process.

If you are looking for in-person opportunities, Project Graduation will offer traditional in-person classes in the Spring of 2024. The PG super sites are Craigmont HS, Hamilton HS, and Kirby HS.

For questions about how you can use Project Graduation at your school, contact Manager Jacques Hall (halljh@scsk12.org or 901.416.9041).
 

Attention All Building Leaders:

The Summer Device Service Center is now closed to parents. All schools may collect funds for device related fines and collect devices. Any questions can be sent to device_support@scsk12.org.

Thank you for your support!

Exciting news! The Fall Professional Learning Catalog is now available. It's organized by content area for your convenience, making it easier to find relevant professional development opportunities. Hyperlinks in the table of contents enable quick navigation. Thank you for your continued support. Let's grow together!

PL&S is pleased to share these K-12 Math Support Sessions.  Participants should register in PLZ and information will be shared with them such as the links to join.

Save the Date-August 22nd Principals' Meeting ½ day! The agenda is forthcoming.

Digital Device Ambassador Agreement Forms and Digital Support Ambassador Agreement Forms should be reviewed, signed and submitted as a PDF attachment to device_support@scsk12.org by Friday, August 11th. DDAs/DSAs must register for training in PLZ for the date associated with their grade band. The training content is uniquely different, so DDAs/DSAs cannot attend alternate sessions. No make updates have been scheduled. DDAs/DSAs must complete training before they can serve in the role, distribute devices and have access to all of the systems needed to handle device operations.

 The 1:1 Digital Device Program is greatly appreciative of the outpour of support for device distribution.   

 Digital Device Training (In-person) for Middle & K-8 Schools

Tuesday, August 15th

Location: 3237 Knight Road

Time: 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

PLZ Section# 69734 Course# 34760

Digital Device Training (In-person) for High Schools

Wednesday, August 16th

Location: 3237 Knight Road

Time: 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

PLZ Section# 69732 Course# 34760

Digital Device Training (In-person) for Elementary Schools

Thursday, August 17th

Location: 3237 Knight Road

Time: 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

PLZ Section# 69735 Course# 34760

 Attention: Building Leaders

The Division of Virtual Education and Logistics would like to thank all building leaders and their leadership team for collaborating with our office to complete the 1:1 Classroom Teacher Device Reconciliation Project.  The completion rate for the Teacher’s Device Reconciliation Project was over 82% for the district.  Our office has received several requests for additional 1:1 classroom device for teachers and eligible staff. We would like to extend the opportunity for building leaders who completed device reconciliation last school year to request additional devices as needed for eligible staff who did not previously receive a device. Requests will not be processed for schools whose reconciliation is currently “In-Progress”.  Please contact Mrs. Lisa Fletcher at fletcherl1@scsk12.org if there are any questions regarding the reconciliation status for your school.   

Please complete the FORM to submit a device request.  Remember that administrators, clerical staff, educational assistant, CCTE, PreK, or SPED are not eligible roles. Please be prepared to attach a current 2023-24 staff roster (teachers’ name/grade/subject) when completing the request form.

 Thank you for your support!

Attention Building Leaders:

Please return previously assigned devices to the same teacher from last year if they are still serving in an eligible position. Ensure that each teacher completes the Computer/Device Checkout Form upon device assignment or redistribution. Scan all completed forms as one PDF file and attach the file HERE.  An Ivanti workorder should be submitted for any devices with physical damage or a technical issue. Physically damaged devices are covered under the accidental protection plan, and claims will be filed by IT Field Support. Please follow MSCS district policy for reporting lost or stolen/unreturned devices.  

Elementary and K-8 Principals,

Thank you for providing us with your Specialized Education Assistants' names that will provide tutoring for specified 4th grade tutoring.  We will have mandatory meetings for your 4th grade Tutoring Coordinator and a mandatory meeting for BOTH of your designated SEA's.   Please see the information below:                                                                                               

(Please forward this email to those you have selected to do this work)

 

4th Grade Tutoring Coordinator

When:  Tuesday, August 15

Where:  Microsoft Teams (virtual meeting)

Time:   10:00 - 11:00 a.m. OR  1:00 - 2:00 (coordinators may choose one)

Topic:  Tutoring expectations and scheduling support

A.M. LINK:  (copy link, right click, open link) 

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTAxNWQ1YzgtNTlkNy00OTAzLWE1MzQtMjQ5YzQyZDQ1NmEy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%222b291c94-5eb0-44b7-89ea-4baf16ecc4a9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22904748fc-e5bd-45f2-9576-37b49bb18d3a%22%7d
 

P.M. LINK:  (copy link, right click, open link)
 

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2M0NzU3NjgtMWM5Zi00NGQ1LWE2MWYtNGJjYjYwM2Y1Y2M0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%222b291c94-5eb0-44b7-89ea-4baf16ecc4a9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22904748fc-e5bd-45f2-9576-37b49bb18d3a%22%7d
 

Specialized Education Assistants (in-person)

When:  Wednesday, August 16

Where:  TLA Auditorium

Time:  8:00 - 3:30 

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided

Topic:  Tutoring expectations, small group support, & complete online state training

Please ensure that you allow all SEA's to bring a laptop to the training, so that they can complete the state-required online training.  If you have any questions and/or concerns, please email LaTosha Wiseman.  

Thank you for your dedication to this work!

Germantown International Festival: We are thrilled to participate in this year's Germantown International Festival, and we extend a cordial invitation to all MSCS families to join us Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 11a.m. to 5p.m.

Featuring delectable food options, vibrant vendors, and captivating performances from 28 participant countries, this festival presents an excellent opportunity to foster learning, sharing, and meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds worldwide.

To document their cultural journey, we kindly request all students to bring an international fest passport. Passports can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: https://bit.ly/GIFestPassport

We look forward to seeing you there!

Need immunizations, sports, and annual physicals, or not feeling well?

School-Based Clinics are open ALL Summer! See flyer for details. For an appointment please call 842-2379 or you may text “SCS901” to 91999. 

Please note for all texts, it will take 24-48 hours to return their phone call to set up an appointment. 

Clinics are open from 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday. For more information please call Health Promotions at 416-6432.

Summer Flyer 2023 in Eng & Span 2.pdf

Throughout the school year, Memphis Shelby County Schools offers free health screenings for Pre-K, K, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th grades. Screenings consist of vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and scoliosis. See the calendar for your school dates of elementary and K-8th schools. For more information, please call Health Promotions at 416-6432. Check out our screening video to see what to expect in

ENG: https://youtu.be/A4wbLuXB4wI  and SPA: https://youtu.be/Hgsfj9AL-vI

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EZoK0riK2mNJtbqHC0GfdnIBjLcNnYKLPRVhq_R5ZwsFbQ?e=TzRguv

Required Pre-Game Emergency Action Plan Meeting at Varsity High School Football Games

The purpose of the meeting is to allow officials and representatives from both teams to review and discuss the Home facilities Emergency Action Plan and available emergency resources immediately following the game administrator meeting at midfield.

Representatives at the meeting:

• Back Judge
• Home Game Administrator
• Athletic Trainers from both teams - if a team does not have an athletic trainer, then an assistant coach who is designated as the medical representative for that team.
• Any other medical personnel who will be present on the sidelines in an official capacity during the game (team physician, EMT, additional trainers, etc)
• SRO or another representative from security

 TSSAA Agenda for the meeting: Pre-game EAP meeting (tssaa.org)

The MSCIAA has also provided you with Emergency Action Plan Resources including but not limited to location of AEDs and general EAPs for Stadiums to assist your planning.  

$250 Fine for Fan Ejection

Fans ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct during a contest, the school will be fined a minimum of $250.00. In addition, other non-monetary disciplinary action may occur, including but not limited to probation and/or restrictive probation for the entire athletic program. Please note that this penalty only applies if the game official ejects the fan. Game officials have been instructed to call upon game administrators or other school officials when there is a problem with a fan.  This is not a change in procedure from previous years, but the TSSAA wants to continue to emphasize the importance of utilizing school personnel to help with crowd control.

Schedule management requires careful planning and preparation throughout the season.   Maintaining good practices and creating well-structured lines of communication ensures all stakeholders are on the same page and mitigates against potential conflicts.

Following the guidelines below can promote a more collaborative and focused environment leading to a more successful athletic season for your teams.

1. Check Online- Make sure the games you have on your schedule match what’s on the MSCIAA website (sciaa.org). Check your schedule online regularly in the event of changes.
2. Confirm Officials- Check Arbiter (if you have access) to ensure there are officials scheduled. The home team should get a call by 12 on the day of the game. If no official has called- contact the assigning agent.
3. Contact Opponent- Reach out to your opponent a few days before the game and on game day to confirm. This avoids forfeits, fines, and forgetting.
4. Call the Office- If there are still issues after you’ve done the first three, then contact your sport’s coordinator at the MSCIAA office for assistance. Also, be sure to include MSCIAA on all communication regarding cancellations, reschedules, postponements, or forfeits.

As Student Support Services and the Athletics Department continue to prioritize safe athletic participation, the following checklist has been created to support schools. Please share this checklist with your Athletic Directors and Coaches as an additional guiding resource to be completed prior to try-outs, practices, and competitions.

Student-athlete requirements:

• Current Physicals (medical clearance for athletic participation) dated April 15th or later signed by an approved medical provider.
• Complete medical/contact information for emergencies at practices/games
• Parent’s signed Athlete's Health Record which includes Informed Consent & Assumption of Risk and COVID-19 Informed Consent & Risk Acknowledgement Statement for consent for sport(s) participation.
• Concussion and head injury information reviewed by athletes and parents with signed documentation.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act/ EKG acknowledgement reviewed by athletes and parents with signed documentation.

Coach requirements:

• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• NFHS Covid-19 for Coaches & Administrators completion (yearly)
• TN law required Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest completion (yearly)
• SCS Safe Schools Athletic Coaches Covid Training (yearly)
• TN law -NFHS Heat Illness Prevention Course completion (yearly)
• TN law -EAP w/allergy and anaphylaxis emergency response plan completion (yearly)
• First aid kit, injury ice, emergency information and water available at each practice and competition
• Injury reporting via MSCS Student Accident system
• Parental notification of any injuries and provide them with the secondary insurance claim form.

All non-faculty/volunteer or classified employees must also take (1 time):

• NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
• NFHS First Aid, Health, & Safety for Coaches

Coaches must also complete MSCIAA continuing education courses as required. All Coaches must be submitted to the TSSAA/TMSAA.

So we can begin training and provide access to the ACT Pearson site, please let us know who your school's ACT Coordinator will be for 2023-2024 by completing the brief survey found here by Monday, August 14. Communications from ACT and from our department will go to the ACT Coordinator for your school. Please be aware that the ACT Coordinator may be different than the person you designate as your ACT Specialist. The Coordinator, the person our department is asking you to designate, manages the logistics of testing students, whereas the Specialist role is typically more involved in ACT prep.

Also, please note that the window for requesting ACT accommodations and EL supports for fall testing is currently open but closes August 25. Please be aware that for accommodations to “roll over” from last year, someone from your school will need to go into the TAA site at success.act.org and associate the fall 2023 window with the accommodation(s) approved last year. For EL supports you must submit updated documentation each year. Questions about accommodations and EL supports can be addressed to the ACT Accommodations group at 800.553.6244, ext. 1788, or ACTStateAccoms@act.org.

*ATTN: ALL District Supervisors and School Leaders eligible to participate in the RECERTIFICATION process to conduct TEM, TEAM, and/or NIE evaluations for SY2023-24 will need complete modules by August 31, 2023.  Returning observers who do not complete by the deadline must participate in the track for new observers.

Please see the information below regarding Evaluator Certification for SY2023-24:

Non-Instructional Evaluation Certification - Per MSCS Board Policy 4020, "Supervisors are responsible for adhering to the evaluation process and providing timely feedback to improve the performance of evaluated employees."

• Click Here for guidance on NIE Certification.  
• SY2023-2024 NIE Evaluator Certification Training Calendar

 "Certification notices will be delivered weekly on Fridays by noon beginning June 23rd given the calibration activities have been completed Thursdays by 11:59 pm of the same week. "

Instructional Evaluation Certification- According to Tennessee State Board of Education policy 5.201, all educators must be evaluated annually by a certified evaluator.  

• TEM - Click  HERE   for guidance on becoming TEM Certified.   "Certification notices will be delivered weekly on Fridays by noon beginning June 23rd given the calibration activities have been completed Thursdays by 11:59 pm of the same week. "
• TEAM (Managed by the TDOE) - Click HERE for guidance on becoming TEAM Certified. *Be sure to select TRAINING FOR ADMINISTRATOR certification.  (Please forward a copy of the completed TEAM Certificate to eps@scsk12.org)

Training and Support Resources:  

Virtual Office Hours sessions are returning this week (August 15 and 17)!

During this session, we will go over the basics of Power BI navigation and support resources. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have. 

Next week, August 22 and 24, will also be on PowerBI Navigation and Support Resources.

Sign up today! For more information on Virtual Office Hours, check out this flyer! 

-----------------------------

New User PowerBI training sessions are available!

For new users or people needing a refresher, these sessions will help you learn the basics of Power BI and the MSCS Compass.

Sessions will be held every day during the weeks of August 21st, August 28th, and September 25th.

Participants must already have access prior to attending.

See this flyer for more information!

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Announcements:  

 
Attention Principals – if you added or requested that a teacher or non-administrative staff member get Power BI access last year and you want them to still have access, you will need to re-add them using the PowerBI Access App
 
For more information, contact us at DAIMSUPPORT@scsk12.org 

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New Features:

Check out our new page of all updated features and recent releases on our DAIM Support Page!

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RTI-A is currently not populating 23-24 data. This is due to recent business rule changes as we work to access and integrate data from TN Pulse. 

Data on the Overview page is reflective of the 22-23 school year only. 

And as a result, Universal Screener, K-3 State Compliance, Benchmarking, and Characteristics of Dyslexia reports are currently disabled.

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TCAP data is now available in Student Assessments! 

However, as this data is still embargoed, it is for internal use only.

-----------------------------

School Improvement Plans –

You can now find the School Performance Details page in the new School Snapshot dashboard. Check out the user guide for more information!

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Chronic Absenteeism business rules have changed! 

In Student Attendance, Chronic Absenteeism rates will not start populating data until January 2024. 

This is due to the new calculation rule, where a student MUST be enrolled for 50% of the school year before being considered Chronically Absent. 

You will be able to see students At Risk of being Chronically Absent (attendance rates at 90% or lower) prior to that time. This is just a preliminary projection and not the official rate.

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BrightBytes is no longer available for the 2023-2024 school year. If you have any questions, reach out to the SEED team for more information at 416-6007.

Because of this, some reports will be unavailable. These include RTI-B, BrightBytes Intervention in Student Discipline, and the OAG Compliance Report in Student Grades. 

Historical progressive discipline data from BB will still be visible for past years.

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You can also reach out to us at DAIMSUPPORT@scsk12.org if you need support.