While we anticipate receiving Ready Read student workbooks for all students, at this time teachers will need to access the materials digitally. To ensure ease of access we have updated the Q1 Reading Prescriptions by hyperlinking the student resources to the Ready Read weeks included on the elementary and middle schools’ Reading Prescriptions. Please note, that teachers can also access the Ready Read lessons by means of the iReady Teacher Toolbox. Additionally, to encourage technology integration, teachers can share the student resources with their students digitally. Included below is a resource with technology integration ideas compliments of our Blended Learning Team. 

Ready Reading Support Guides: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WR7xmviPEs-pa3CZLu5kY8Pp_PfexEW6?usp=sharing
 

Please address questions to ci_ela_team@scsk12.org.
 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PujrY-Z0bk7nf2uIRNWOPvXDggBWSL3W/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110047789935292811903&rtpof=true&sd=true 

You are receiving recognition for the positive trends found in your end of year 2022-23 discipline data and because of your strides towards implementing restorative practices! 

• Hollis F. Price MS (Principal, Sandra Barnes)
• Dunbar ES (Principal, Lawanda Shaw)
• Newcomer International Center (Principal, Gabriela Torro)
• Trezevant HS (Principal, Eric Brent)
• Ridgeway MS (Principal, Katrina Raggs-Washington)
• Hickory Ridge MS (Principal, James Gordon)
• Brownsville Road ES (Principal, Velvet Jeter)
• Downtown ES (Principal, Brandye Williams)
• Windridge ES (Principal, Todd Shaffer)
• Westside ES (Principal, Kimberly Adams)

The EDI (Equity, Discipline & Intervention) office has identified you as one of the highlighted 10 schools who will receive television broadcast recognition on WKNO!  Please see WKNO Schedule of school visits. 

Please keep up the good work…and know…your hard work is noticed and appreciated!

You now have the option to select Stay Away Agreement in Incident Management. When selecting Local Action Codes, Stay Away Agreement is in the list of drop down options. 

The district is beginning the testing process for Civics for the 2023-2024 school year. In accordance with usual procedures, we are asking building leaders to use the following form 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/r/7Qtdpw768d

Please contact Dr. Brian Davis, 9-12 Social Studies Advisor at davisbc@scsk12.org if you have any questions.

Greetings, School Leaders:  

I hope you are having a wonderful day. As we continue to remain informed and diligent about the health and well-being of our students, we wanted to provide you with a useful resource related to COVID-19.  The attached Updated Guidance for COVID-19 in Schools contains the helpful information and reminders below. Please take a moment to read it and share it with your faculty and staff.   

• The federal mandates related to COVID-19 were lifted in May 2023.
• Mandated reporting is no longer in effect.
• Keep anyone sick separate from well students and staff in a safe area until the sick person can return home.
• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are to follow the advice of their health care provider.
• Follow-up with the parent/guardian on the students return date.
• The CDC encourages everyone to remain up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.
• Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, is encouraged to get tested.

Health situations are evaluated on an individual basis. Principals are encouraged to contact the MSCS Department of Exceptional Children and Health Services at 901-416-2424 for any specific health guidelines and follow-up instructions.

Moreover, if you are searching for a COVID-19 vaccination site nearby, you can look up vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.  

If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to email me at jacksonrd@scsk12.org or get in touch with Dr. Patricia Bafford in Health Services at baffordpd@scsk12.org.  

Thank you for taking care of yourself and those around you! 

• School administrators must ensure teachers record attendance daily in PowerTeacher Pro beginning the first day of school. Do Not use paper forms.
• School office staff should process and reconcile daily attendance codes submitted by teachers. 
• If your school is without a dedicated clerical, please identify a back-up person and contact the SEED Office for appropriate district training.  
• Each school should have an attendance administrator who can assist and verify the accuracy of attendance data.   
• Drop all NO-SHOWS and if attendance has been taken, please remove attendance before dropping the student. 

• All 5-year-old Kindergarten students must be registered and enrolled by Monday, September 18, to be eligible to attend school for the 2023-24 school year. 
• Students who are not 5 years old by August 15 and did not pass the Early Kindergarten Entry Screening are not eligible to attend school this year. 

(This does not apply to homeless, migrant, or foster care students.) 

• School support staff can withdraw students from school for the first three weeks of the school year if they have not attended any classes.  Again, no-shows should be dropped dated back to the first day of school. Withdrawals are only completed if a student has attended school this school year. Truancy will need to be cleared if a student has not attended school by August 21.
• Review your projected enrollment list and students who have not registered/enrolled at your site. Contact these parents to register/enroll. Assign staff during regular school hours to assist parents who are registering late.

School Counselors are required to submit OAG requests using the OAG/Grade Placement survey form in PowerSchool SIS.

Attendance training will be offered on multiple dates. Assigned staff who support attendance can visit PLZ to register.  Participates will review district and state mandated guidelines surrounding attendance, and learn the tools needed to successfully carry out day-to-day attendance responsibilities.  Please Bring Your Laptop.

• Course #: 32108 (Elementary and K-8)
• Course #: 32114 (Middle and High)

This course is designed for staff who enroll students, approve registration, and process student withdrawals at the school level (Administrators, GOS, Financial Secretaries, Enrollment staff and Clerical Assistants).  Participants will learn how navigate PowerSchool SIS via a training database and navigate the online platform and view real-time data.

• Course #: 34911 (Elementary, Middle, and High)

RTI-2B District Leadership Team has identified the following schools to pilot our RTI-2 Alignment Initiative. Your schools were chosen because the team believes that you currently already have most of the components in place to satisfy the Alignment Rubric. The identified pilot schools (both cohorts) will meet in-person to receive detailed information on what’s to come from Victoria S. Perry, Director, Tennessee Supports Center. 

Location: TLA- (TBA tentatively W115-16)

Time: 9:00am-2:00pm

Date: August 29, 2023

Each participant will need to register by August 24, 2023. Please use this REDCap survey to register Registration Link.

SCHOOLS COHORT (A)

Dexter K-8 - Principal Patrick Certion

Cordova MS - Principal Christopher Hardiman

Cordova HS - Principal Barton Thorne

SCHOOLS COHORT (B)

Hamilton K-8 - Principal Quay Jackson-Porter

Woodstock MS - Principal Willie Bolden

Southwind HS - Principal John Bush

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Amy Maples - MAPLESA@scsk12.org - RTI-2 Co-Chair (Academics) or Dr. JB Blocker - BLOCKERJ@scsk12.org Dr. JB Blocker - RTI-2 Co-Chair (Behavior)

The Council is accepting nominations for the Queen Smith Award for Commitment to Urban Education, a $5,000 award honoring an urban school teacher. The award will also be presented at the Council’s Fall Conference in San Diego, October 2023. More information is attached, and nominations must be submitted online using the following link.  The deadline to apply is COB, Friday, August 25. 

https://tinyurl.com/2023QueenSmith

Click here for more information. 

This year’s theme is, “Aligning to Re-Think...Re-Thinking to Restore!”  The state is requiring that we align our district-wide Response to Intervention (RTI) Academic and Behavioral efforts, so it is crucial that appropriate district staff receive the mandated updates and expectations. 

As you might remember from past years, school leaders are required to send:

• RTI-2B Tier (1) & (2) Coaches
• At least one school counselor
• District assigned RTI-2 behavior specialists (school hired are also encouraged to attend)
• SEED leadership will select specific Mental Health staff who will attend.

Please forward this email to the appropriate individuals at your school and have them access the link below to view the RTI-2 Showcase Agenda and to register for the event.

https://ncyionline.org/memphis-shelby-summit/

Date: September 1, 2023

Time: 7:45am- 3:00pm

Location: University of Memphis Center 

Parking is Free: Zach H. Curlin Street 

The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. John Hodge

We are providing one Complimentary Bookstore Voucher to be used for selecting resources at the NCYI Product Showcase – compliments of Memphis-Shelby County Schools and our sponsoring vendors who are listed on the website. The voucher will be provided to the first school representative upon sign-in.  Please note, participants must sign in and out to receive PLZ attendance credit.

See tentative schedule for your review! Please have staff register by September 1, 2023.

Elementary Principals,   

Please be on the lookout for an email from Chief Page on Monday regarding the implementation expectations of the Fifth Grade Enrichment initiative for 2023-24. In the meantime, please share the folder of enrichment project materials with your enrichment teachers. If you have questions, contact Dr. Katrina Taylor.  

Project tasks: Fifth Grade Enrichment Materials

Secondary School Principals: Tuesday, September 5, 2023, is the last day to enroll students in MVS OL courses for semester 1. Your professional school counselors already know the protocol to enroll students. Contact Director Rochelle Griffin (griffinrj@scsk12.org) to start a discussion of a Special Project class is desired for your school. 
 

Thank you!

 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.

Thank you for your support!  

The DAIM Team is pleased to offer PowerBi Training for New Users.  Learn more here. If you have questions, please email DAIMSupport@scsk12.org.

Please see the agenda for the August Principals' Meeting.

The 23-24 Instructional Practice Classroom Walkthrough Tools are available here.  You can use this link (bit.ly/2324Walkthrough) to submit your walkthrough tool which will feed data to the PowerBi on the Instructional Practice Dashboard.  Please note that the submission link will not be active until Monday, August 21st. You should download a PDF copy of your entry for your records.

One Informal Observation must be completed in PLZ prior to completing the Formal TEM Observation. The step sheet on how to upload to PLZ the PDF from what you submitted in the Microsoft Form is linked here.

If you have questions regarding the 23-24 Classroom Walkthrough Tools, the submission link for the walkthrough tool, or the PLZ step sheet please email professionallearning@scsk12.org.  For TEM questions, please contact eps@scsk12.org.

This year, there have been revisions and improvements made to the Foundational Literacy Laureate Initiative.  An interest meeting is planned for all "prospective" Laureates who desire to serve in the role during the 2023-2024 school year.  Please send your "prospective" Laureate to join us at the interest meeting on August 24 @ 4:30PM at the TLA in rooms W115-W116.   

NOTE:  At the end of the interest meeting, "prospective" Laureates will be provided the Laureate Agreement and Stipend Guidelines forms to sign and garner the Principal's signature. Each elementary and K-8 school can designate a Laureate to support early literacy instruction in K-2 classrooms.

If you have questions, please contact the Early Literacy Office via email at EarlyLiteracyDept@scsk12.org or call 901.416.4766.

A 10-step guide to help manage fan behavior at athletic contests with a focus on safety and security.

Consistent implementation and a focus on positive engagement can go a long way in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone attending the athletic contests.

1. Pre-Event Communication: Send out clear guidelines for expected behavior to fans, emphasizing respect, sportsmanship, and safety. This can be done through emails, social media posts, and announcements.
2. Visible Signage: Place visible signage throughout the venue, outlining behavior expectations, codes of conduct, sportsmanship, safety policies and consequences for violations.
3. Security Personnel: Work with security to inform them about key points in the venue to monitor crowd behavior to promptly address any issues. Alert them of high-attendance events that they may need to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to ensure their presence or assistance, if needed.
4. Ticket Sales and Entry: Ensure proper ticketing procedures are in place to control the crowd size. Staff at entry points should greet fans and remind them of the conduct guidelines.  Adhere to bag check policy and procedures.
5. Concessions Management: Monitor concessions areas to prevent overindulgence. Consider closing concessions 30 to 45 minutes prior to the end of the contest to reduce congestion upon leaving the venue.
6. Internal Communications: Establish clear communication channels among staff, security, and event organizers to quickly address any disruptions or incidents. Establish a range of communication channels to ensure effective information flow, including walkie-talkies, two-way radios, phone lines, text messaging, and intercom systems.
7. Crowd Control Measures: Implement barriers, ropes, or lines to direct the flow of fans and prevent overcrowding in specific areas. This can help minimize the chances of confrontations.
8. Administration and Event Staff: Identify potential issues and intervene early. Place staff in strategic locations around the venue. Their friendly presence can help defuse tense situations before they escalate. Educate event staff on how to proactively identify and address issues, assist attendees, and provide directions.
9. Public Address Announcements: Use the public address system to remind fans about behavior expectations and any safety updates throughout the event.
10. Incident Response Protocol: Develop a comprehensive incident response protocol, including guidelines for handling disruptive behavior, ejections, including evacuation procedures and potential emergencies.

After each event, conduct a thorough assessment with staff, security, and/or event partners to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes for future events. By implementing these steps, you are well on your way to creating a comprehensive plan that addresses various aspects of fan behavior management, safety, and security at athletic contests.

The updated 2023-24 district assessment calendar can be found on the MSCS Assessment page here. The direct link to the calendar is here. If you have a copy of the old draft calendar that was posted in May, please discard it.

Also, the Tennessee Department of Education announced that there will be some TCAP Alternate (TCAP-ALT) ELA and Math testing in the fall (September 11 – December 22), but they are not able to provide any details at this point. Once we gather more information from the state, we will add this to the district testing calendar. 

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. Health Screenings begin Monday, Aug. 21st. Please ensure “Opt-Out” forms have gone home. We are also encouraging you to send text messaging, robo calls, and include on your school’s website calendar. Please help us get the word out for this needed service. See 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/EXj7S0Uim61KlUPhhIwsPasBX2XNY1whmV2VOgTYgc8Lig?e=zG0SNi

Methodist LeBonheur Community Care Associates is partnering with Memphis Shelby County Schools to provide convenient non-emergent health care for staff and dependents. Please visit our website at Health Promotions (scsk12.org) or you may call 416-6709 for an appointment. See flyer for available locations and additional details. For more information, please call 416-6432.

 https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EZ3TZX0MXAJHqfs-IMCQIAwBMRbeXSiCjB3ZwAFjGCURnA?e=KMQmax

Need immunizations, sports and annual physicals, or not feeling well?  See flyer for details. For an appointment please call 842-2379 or you may text “SCS901” to 91999. Please note for all text, it will take 24-48 hours to a return your phone call to set up and appointment. Clinics are open from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. For more information, please call Health Promotions at 416-6432.

*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

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. 
• 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)

The 23-24 Instructional Practice Classroom Walkthrough Tools are available here.  You can use this link (bit.ly/2324Walkthrough) to submit your walkthrough tool which will feed data to the PowerBi on the Instructional Practice Dashboard.  Please note that the submission link will not be active until Monday, August 21st. You should download a PDF copy of your entry for your records.

One Informal Observation must be completed in PLZ prior to completing the Formal TEM Observation. The step sheet on how to upload to PLZ the PDF from what you submitted in the Microsoft Form is linked here.

If you have questions regarding the 23-24 Classroom Walkthrough Tools, the submission link for the walkthrough tool, or the PLZ step sheet please email professionallearning@scsk12.org.  For TEM questions, please contact eps@scsk12.org.

Training and Support Resources:  

New User PowerBI training sessions are starting this week!

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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Virtual Office Hours sessions, this week (August 22 and 24), will be a review of Power BI Navigation and support resources. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have. 

Next week, August 29 and 31, we will go over the Student Snapshot dashboard.

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

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Announcements:  
 

Why Power BI? 

Be on the lookout for our new campaign highlighting the ways schools and District staff utilize Power BI in their work.

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TCAP data is now available in Student Assessments! TVAAS data is now available in School Profile!

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

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Updated iReady data is available in – Student Assessment iReady, Student Assessment iReady Participation, RTI-A Universal Screener Compliance

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RTI-A is currently not populating 23-24 intervention plan 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, Benchmarking, and Characteristics of Dyslexia reports are currently disabled.

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

You can reach out to us at DAIMSUPPORT@scsk12.org.