September 15, 2023
School Services
Student Support
All Admin, Reminder
Immunization Advisory

SchoolCare Data Entry- MSCS district currently has only 10% of KK immunizations entered in SchoolCare. In order to maintain or surpass the district goal of 95% with KK compliance, all data must be entered in SchoolCare.

Immunization Team-Please make sure you have identified your school’s lead representative and team for immunization records. Per Chief Page, principals are to designate an immunization lead and a team of at least 3 people for data entry, or 1 staff member per 150 students for larger schools. Click the following link to identify your school’s immunization team.  MSCS Immunization/SchoolCare Team Directory 2023-24. 

SchoolCare Training &Access- All immunization team members must register and attend a SchoolCare Immunization training session in PLZ (Course # 32479) to gain SchoolCare access. 

We look forward to working with you for the 2023-24 school year! Please contact Dr. Willie Williams at williamswc@scsk12.org, if you have any questions.

Reminder: November 30, 2023

Academics
All Required, All
i-Ready

Diagnostic CompletionYou’ve completed your beginning-of-year Diagnostic – congratulations! You now have data that helps you understand student progress, celebrate growth, and reflect on areas where teachers and students may need more support.  

Here are some resources you can use as you engage in this work:

Celebrate your staff and students. Visit i-ReadyCentral.com/Ideas to get inspired 

If you need access to standards mastery at the admin level, please reach out to Robin Porter at porterre@scsk12.org.  All teachers already have access to standards mastery so this just applies to the admin level.

ElemMid PLC, Teachers, Admin
Ready Read Student Workbooks

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 


 

All Admin, Required, Reminder
Fall Budget Checkout

Greetings Principals,   

Fall Budget Checkout is quickly approaching, and we wanted to remind you of the specifics for your convenience.  The details for the event are listed below. 

Fall Budget Checkout   

Date: Monday, September 18 – Friday, September 29, 2023  

Location: East T-Stem Memphis Room, 3225 Walnut Grove Road, 38111 

Room Reserved Time: See your scheduled appointment invite.   

  

If you need clarity or have questions, please contact Director Kevin Malone at malonefk@scsk12.org or 901-570-8955.   

Reminder: September 29, 2023

All PLC, Counselors, Librarians, Teachers, Other, Admin, Required, All
New Vaping Device

Please be advised that some students are disguising vape smoking devices into highlighters. Please make sure that your behavior support staff and appropriate others are aware and on informed.

All Required, All
Project AWARE & TIP (Trauma Intensive Program)

The Office of SEED has great opportunities for you. September is national suicide prevention month, and we'd like to share these FREE Trainings to help increase mental health literacy of individuals who interact with school aged youth. 

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) is partnering with TN Voices to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid. This course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. See available Course options.

TIP (Trauma Intensive Program)

Educators and Parents- Are you interested in gaining an understanding of the impact of social media and youth, Youth Mental Health Awareness, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Self-Care, and more? Join us for these FREE Informational courses. We need You! Follow the TIP Monthly Courses. 

All Required, All
11th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Expo

September is recognized annually as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  The theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” For the past 11 years the MSCSMHC has held the Suicide Prevention Awareness Expo to educate students, parents, faculty, and the community on this very important mental health issue.  This year, the 11th Annual Suicide Prevention Expo will be held in collaboration with Coordinated School Health, Total Rewards and Benefits, community partners, and agencies to provide valuable information and bring attention to another unfortunate pandemic society is facing. Please share this information with their families  

When: Saturday, September 16, 2023
Where: Colonial Middle School
Time:  10:00am - 2:00pm

All Admin, Required
SEED Mandatory Reporting Email

Please know that you should reserve using the SEED Mandatory Reporting Email for the situations listed here. It should not be used for general discipline issues. You will report general discipline matters to appropriate personnel on a case-by-case basis. 

All Counselors, Admin, Required
PSAP Training

The Office of SEED will be conducting PSAP training during the month of September. Please share with appropriate staff. Potential participants can sign up for the session in PLZ using code number 35130. Only administrators, counselors, family engagement specialists or behavior specialists should attend. Contact Thomasena Stuckett at stucketttd@scsk12.org with any questions. 

All Counselors, Admin, Required
SEED September Professional Development

The Office of SEED 504 Department will be offering the following professional development sessions during the month of September:

  • 504 Compliance Training - TN Pulse (Administrators) - Section Number #70503, #70504, #70505 and #70506

We are asking leaders to please share this information with their counselors, administrators, and other appropriate staff. Interested participants will need to register for the course in PLZ using the section number provided. Session facilitators will send the link to all enrolled participants. If you have any questions, email Chanda Jones-Donald at jonesdonaldcr@scsk12.org.

All Admin, Required, Reminder
Enrollment Protocol for Homeless and Unaccompanied Students

To ensure consistent support for homeless and unaccompanied students and district-wide compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, please adhere to the Enrollment Protocol for Homeless and Unaccompanied Students.

Reminder: October 27, 2023

Required, Reminder
Eligible Choice Transfer
  • The Eligible Circumstance Transfer window will open on September 5, 2023. All transfer requests will be carefully reviewed and must meet specific criteria to be approved.

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Counselors, Required, Reminder
OAG/Grade Placement Request

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

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Other, Admin, Required, Reminder
Centralized Student Withdrawals, No Shows, and Truancy
  • School support staff will no longer have access to withdraw students from Powerschool. These withdrawals will be handled by the SEED Office and Division of Alternative Education (for expelled students only).
  • Withdrawals are only required for each student who has been in attendance for the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Effective immediately, all no-shows will need to submit a centralized withdrawal application to be withdrawn.
  • Parents can access the withdrawal form through their PowerSchool Parent Portal; school staff can visit: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=37204&culture=en
  • Please review your projected enrollment list and identify any students who have not yet registered or enrolled at your site. Parents of these students must clear truancy before their child can be enrolled. Do not send these parents away.

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Other, Admin, Required, Reminder
Enrollment, Registration, and Centralized Withdrawal Process

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)

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Admin, Required, Reminder
Attendance Procedures and Reminders
  • School administrators must ensure teachers record attendance daily and input grades in PowerTeacher Pro. Do Not use paper forms.
  • School office staff should process and reconcile daily attendance codes submitted by teachers. Failure to complete this task will impact funding (TISA).
  • Each school should have an attendance administrator who can assist and verify the accuracy of attendance data.   
  • Attendance clean-up sessions will be announced by zone within the coming weeks.

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Other, Admin, Required, Reminder
Enrollment of Kindergarten Students
  • 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. Please withdraw these students from your location.

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

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Other, Admin, Required, Reminder
PowerSchool Attendance-Reconciling Attendance Training

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)

Reminder: October 27, 2023

All Required, All
Immunization Support

Shelby County Health Department will conduct an immunization event on Saturday, September 30, at the Teacher and Learning Academy (TLA) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (no appointments necessary, while supplies last). Parents of kindergarten and seventh grade students who need immunizations should be contacted.

All Required, All
September Attendance Awareness Month: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow

Chronic absenteeism – missing more than 10% of school days – has more than doubled in communities across the country, disrupting the classrooms and impacting students’ academic progress, social development, and overall well-being.  This September, during Attendance Awareness Month, we highlight the importance of attendance and its positive impact on academics and overall student success. Let’s build the habit of good attendance!  

EVERY SCHOOL DAY COUNTS! 

ElemMidHigh Admin, Required, Reminder
Optional Schools Strategic Plan (OSSP) Training - September 20

Please join us on Wednesday, September 20 for our annual OSSP training (details below). We will review a plethora of information and share dates and deadlines to aid in planning for a productive year.   

  * Please note the location.

 

Date  

Time  

Session Title  

PLZ Number  

Wednesday, 9/20/2023

 

(Board of Education Auditorium)

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  

Optional Schools Strategic Plan Training (for NEW plan developers)  

35131

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.  

Optional Schools Strategic Plan Training (for RETURNING plan developers)  

35132  

 


We look forward to collaborating with you to ensure the continued success of your optional program. If you have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Katrina Taylor or me. Thanks!  

Reminder: September 20, 2023

All Admin, Reminder
September and October Math K-12 Professional Learning Opportunities

Please share this flyer regarding upcoming September and October K-12 Math professional learning opportunities.

Reminder: September 15, 2023

All Admin, Reminder
Student Record Hold in PowerSchool for 1:1 Digital Device

Attention Principals:

Please be aware that a record’s hold may have been placed on some MSCS student's PowerSchool account due to an outstanding fine for a lost or damaged 1:1 device.  Holds should only be removed once there is sufficient documentation that all fines have been satisfied by payment or applicable waiver. Please remind administrators, DDAs/DSAs, and office staff that this is aligned to Student Fees and Debt District Policy 6047.  If there are any questions or concerns regarding records hold for a 1:1 device, please consult the DDA/DSA. If they are in need of additional support or research, they can always reach out to VEL for support.

Thank you!

 

Reminder: September 22, 2023

All Admin, Required, Reminder
September TDW

The Department of Professional Learning and Support is excited to announce a series of professional learning opportunities for teachers. Teacher Development Week (TDW) consists of job-embedded professional learning for select teachers, targeting the 23-24 SY Academic Foci to support effective implementation at the school level. This series of teacher professional learning will occur monthly following Leadership Development Week.  Join us September 18th - 21st for the correct grade band.

Daily Intended Audience
Day 1: Grade 3-5 ILT Content Leads 
Day 2: 6-8 ILT Content Leads
Day 3: 9-12 ILT Content Leads
Day 4: K-2 Teachers and/or Laureates who are either new, Year 0 or Year 1

Please ensure that teachers have requested a full-day substitute. 

Location: Teaching & Learning Academy Auditorium, 2485 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38112

Sign in: 7:45 - 7:55 am

Session Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

*Lunch will be provided.

​**Please park in the back of the building and enter the auditorium through the blue double doors.
 

If you have not submitted names to the Form to submit names, please do so today.  Principals, please complete this form .

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Dr. Geneva Gordon, gordong@scsk12.org.
 


 


 

Reminder: September 15, 2023

All Admin, Reminder
September LDW Links

Thank you for attending September LDW.  The resources have been emailed to participants and attendance has been confirmed in PLZ.  If you have questions, please contact Dr. Angela Nichols, nicholsam@scsk12.org.

 

PLC Coaches
Principals 

Counselors

Reminder: September 15, 2023

Elem Admin, Reminder
23-24 Building Bridges Saturday Camp for Teachers

PL&S is pleased to offer the 23-24 Building Bridges Saturday Camp for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade ELA, Math, and Science teachers.  The flyer has additional details and can be shared with teachers today.  Registration is limited to 500 teachers so don't delay!  If you have questions, email Lytania Black, blackly@scsk12.org.

Reminder: September 15, 2023

Family & Community Engagement
All Required, Reminder, All
Parent Organization Virtual Workshops

We have added virtual sessions for school leaders and/or parent organization leaders. Please note that these sessions are optional. 

Virtual Meeting Dates: 

  • Wednesday, September 13 at 12p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 20 at 12p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 27 at 12p.m.


Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 296 892 908 097
Passcode: ZAcm9r

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 901-602-6178,,161329624#   United States, Memphis

Phone Conference ID: 161 329 624#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

 

As a reminder, all parent organization applications are due by September 30. Resources can be found on the MSCS FACE page linked here: http://www.scsk12.org/face2/?pn=Parent%20Organizations&sm=3

Reminder: September 30, 2023

All All
Volunteer Screening Process

The process to become a volunteer in Memphis Shelby County Schools is super easy. Please share the steps below with your potential volunteers.  

   

1.    Go to scsk12.org/face/level3

2.    Click on the volunteer level you are applying for and watch the 6-minute orientation video.   

3.    Click on the APPLICATION tab to start the online volunteer application.   

4.    Under Volunteer Function, select the function for which you are applying. 

5.    Once you complete the application, call 901-416-7600 or email pagee@scsk12.org to schedule a fingerprint appointment if applying for a level 3 (Results return within 5-7 business days)   

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a8CVlvYu23KTsSQclytjfgaPQvcVqNv3yOw811TuIIo/edit?usp=sharing

All Required, Reminder, All
MSCS Alumni Relations

We are thrilled to announce that the Memphis-Shelby County Schools is starting an Alumni Relations Association that will focus on providing resources and services to high school students and alumni of legacy Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools, and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. As part of this initiative, we are seeking your input on the type of resources and services you would like to access, as a member of the association. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at: https://forms.office.com/r/KppdVTMAsa. Upon completion of the survey by October 6, your name will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive a limited edition MSCS Alumni Relations polo.

Reminder: October 6, 2023

All All
St. Jude Walk/Run

A super shout out goes to A. Maceo Walker Middle School for leading the District in school teams for this year's St. Jude Walk/Run! An honorable mention goes to:

  • Belle Forest Community School 
  • Germantown Elementary School 
  • Ridgeway Middle School 
  • Sea Isle Elementary School 
  • Sherwood Middle School 
  • Willow Oaks Wildcats

There's still time to register your school for a team!

Here's link for more information: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?fr_id=144729&pg=entry&sc_cid=smd87749

Human Resources
All PLC, Other, Admin, Required
SY 23-24 Informal/Formal Observations Guidance

Informal Observations

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 Power BI on the Instructional Practice Dashboard.  Please download a PDF copy of your entry for your records.

Formal Observations

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.

 

All PLC, Other, Admin, Required
Team Certification: New Observers

New TEAM Observers:

(Managed by the TDOE) - Click HERE for guidance on becoming TEAM Certified. 

*Be sure to select TRAINING FOR ADMINISTRATORS' certification!

 

Please forward a copy of the completed TEAM Certificate to eps@scsk12.org.

All PLC, Other, Admin, Required
Student Perception Survey Coordinator

Student Perception Survey Coordinator

School Administrators should complete this form to indicate the site coordinator for their school by September 29th

Should you have any questions, please reach out to the EPS office: 

Phone: 901.416.2475 | Email,  eps@scsk12.org

 

All PLC, Other, Admin
TEM Teacher Training Series

TEM TEACHer Training Series

 

The TEM TEACHer Training Series is now open for ALL teachers. The focus of the series is to identify teacher and student actions that guide effective instruction at performance levels 3-5 of the TEACH indicators. Register in PLZ, course #26177.

Research & Performance Management
All All
Power BI Updates and New Releases



Training and Support Resources:  

Virtual Office Hours sessions, this week (September 19th and 21st), will be about the new Student Reports in Student Attendance and Student Discipline. These new reports allow you to drill down to a specific student and get all relevant data connected to them.

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

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

New User PowerBI training sessions will return the week of September 25th!

  • 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 week.
  • Participants must already have access prior to attending.
  • Sign up in PLZ (course code 34810). See this flyer for more information!
  • Intermediate level sessions will be available later this year.

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

New Releases:

RTI Benchmarking Report has updated 23-24 business rules!

New business rules are aligned with the latest DIG.

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

Student Reports are now available in Student Attendance and Student Discipline!

These pages allow you to drill down to a specific student and get all the relevant information about that specific student. For more information on the Student Attendance report, click here. For more information on the Student Discipline report, click here.

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

Coming Soon:

  • Characteristics of Dyslexia business rule updates – aligned with DIG and state compliance.
  • Written Expression Fall results will be available September 25th.
  • Mastery Connect Participation report will be available September 25th.
  • Digital Citizenship will be available September 29th.
  • Instructional Practices will be available October 2nd.

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

Announcements:  

Be a Power BI Power User!

  • Be on the lookout for our new campaign highlighting MSCS staff members who use Power BI the most.
  • Our Power Users will win the chance to be featured in a short video and on our Hall of Fame site.

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

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


You can reach out to us atDAIMSUPPORT@scsk12.orgif you need support.