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

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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

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.

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 for the walk/run on September 30!

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

October is Adopt-A-School Month. MSCS and the Greater Memphis Chamber are issuing a CALL to ACTION to businesses to See the Future by becoming school adopters.  

Businesses have the opportunity to support schools, impact student learning and have meaningful volunteer opportunities. During this campaign, school leaders can engage in activities like inviting active and potential adopters to their schools and highlighting them on your school websites, social media pages, marquees, etc. Click here for more information.  

Adopt-A-School Recognition Luncheon Details: 

AAS Luncheon will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the Holiday Inn- University of Memphis. This program recognizes those adopters who have provided exceptional service to your school. 

Principals will: 

• Nominate one (1) adopter who is highly active and goes above and beyond. 
• Choose a category and briefly share why this adopter has been nominated. 
• The winner of Adopter-of-The Year will be revealed at the Adopt-A-School Recognition Luncheon. 
• The principal or administrator is required to attend. 

Please access the link to nominate one adopter by Wednesday, October 4, 2023. 

https://forms.office.com/r/MpFKiL6X3a 

National Customer Service Week is October 2 - 6, 2023. This international celebration focuses on the importance of customer service and the people who serve and support customers on a daily basis. In honor of Customer Service Week, we will highlight front-line employees (school-based and Central Office) who exemplify the true definition of high-quality service. Nominate them here by Tuesday, September 26, 2023, to be recognized during Customer Service Week.
 

As we continue to focus on culture and climate within our great District, we encourage you to celebrate all front-line employees during Customer Service Week by recognizing staff on school marquees, providing breakfast/lunch/snacks, posting pictures of staff on school/department website, sharing customer service best practices, sending a "thank you" email, etc. Let's show those who go above and beyond to provide 5-star customer service just how much they are appreciated! 
 

FACE is looking for high-performing, certified teachers who have demonstrated excellence in online instruction. Teachers are needed to support our Tips in 20 Minutes program. These teachers will be providing tips to support learning at home for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade by recording monthly videos to share with students and families. 

Interested teachers are asked to send an email to scsface@scsk12.org with the subject: Tips in 20 by September 30, 2023 with a link to a recorded video message (5-7 minutes) for families aligned to Quarter 1 of the District's Curriculum Maps. The video may be linked using Microsoft Stream on Sharepoint, Youtube, etc.

Colleagues, I hope this message finds you well as we commence week six of the football season. Your continued support is greatly valued, and we are once again seeking your assistance. Attached, you will find a "Robo Call" that we kindly request you, along with an influential football player or team captain, to continue to share on a weekly basis. This will help reinforce our expectations during football games, particularly at your home games. Additionally, we encourage you to post and encourage your students to share the Victories and Good Vibes video on your social media platforms. https://youtu.be/3BDPZxkXozQ?si=vx-nM9d4DeVGJkL-

While attending the football games, we appreciate your ongoing assistance in ensuring that both your students and fans adhere fully to all policies and protocols, both within and outside the stadiums. Our primary focus is on everyone following the clear bag protocol, refraining from bringing any weapons into the stadiums, and being comfortably seated within the stands, thus minimizing congregating in other areas. Adhering to these guidelines enables security and law enforcement to promptly address and de-escalate any potential issues that may arise. Furthermore, during games, if you observe prolonged standing or loitering, we kindly request that you notify security and relay the information to the PA announcer. This will assist in making announcements encouraging fans to take their seats, move away from fence lines, or disperse from specific congregating spots that could potentially lead to unnecessary tensions.

Your unwavering dedication to our students and communities is truly admirable and deeply appreciated. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Major Jackson (jacksoncw1@scsk12.org), Ms. Weaver (weaveri@scsk12.org), or myself with any concerns or feedback. Our collaborative efforts continue to strengthen our commitment to employing every available strategy to address the challenges our community faces.

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/ETdjadj7p3pBmGvB_Z_B9PYBoc7CK_lhDoTJ7A2fxr_AwA?e=DTJjUF

With heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing efforts,

Dr. Richmond

richmondrf@scsk12.org

Tennessee continues to face an epidemic of substance use. In our efforts to fight this epidemic, MSCS will offer Narcan/Naloxone training. This course teaches how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose by using Narcan, a brand name for Naloxone. This medication can reverse and block the effects of opioids. Narcan training will be included in the CPR/AED training offered by Health Services and Health Promotions. Staff will receive a certificate of completion. Please log into PLZ to register for the class.

Please note: If you were CPR/AED certified after July 1, 2022, Narcan trainings will be offered separately. Separate training dates are coming soon. For more information call 416-2424 or 416-6432.

If you have registered but not enrolled Pre-K or KK students in need of immunizations or 7th graders in need of TDAP booster for compliance, MSCS and SCHD will host another immunization pop up clinic on Saturday-September 30, 2023 from 10am-2pm located at the TLA. Please come while supplies last. Please contact Karmeisha Johnson at johnsonkm1@scsk12.org if you have questions regarding this event. If you have immunization questions, please contact Willie Williams at williamswc@scsk12.org. See flyer for additional details.  

https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:i:/s/HealthPromotions-StudentServices/ERzU_39yriNLuWCiYFFRWb8BAfDLtxaA4rgaQNB0PV_zfA?e=bBEoHS

https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:i:/s/HealthPromotions-StudentServices/Ed0O8JPGSeBMmtNX3wk6hU0BCtT-DcqdzAMndD_Eh_lqng?e=JU1QQ5

The Shelby County Health Department will be externally offering services to families. Please see attached flyers in English and Spanish you can share. The Shelby County Health Department’s 814 Jefferson Ave. headquarters will be open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 9am to 1pm and will provide immunizations, shot records, birth certificates, and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) services. 

https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:i:/s/HealthPromotions-StudentServices/EdBOUAGxq3dMsBOccmJqrCkBit9FvrXG08UidRfl4inCDw?e=6rGGUQ

https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:i:/s/HealthPromotions-StudentServices/Ec5c8pMIYtdBlAld2-HC1soBVJS316iTHWd5WzkVmI7Hng?e=KKSqxb

Greetings, Outstanding School Leaders:   

We hope you are experiencing a productive day. We want to inform you of some essential information related to cell phones in schools. Enclosed for your convenience is a toolkit for you and your teams to utilize when experiencing cell phone concerns.  

The Cell phones in Schools Toolkit provides tactics and tools to help: 

• Reduce student cell phone usage in your schools. 
• Create a culture that promotes the appropriate storage of cell phones. 
• Prevent cell phone usage during the day – especially video recording and posting. 

The toolkit features information regarding: 

• What’s the Policy? 
• Changing the Culture 
• Make it Routine 
• Clear, Consistent Communication 
• Posters 
• Code of Conduct Consequences 
• Parent Retrieval and Confiscated Items 
• Important Disclaimer 
• Footnotes 

For more information regarding the policy in the toolkit, don't hesitate to contact the Policy Office at 901-416-4730. Please contact Student, Equity, Enrollment, and Discipline (S.E.E.D.) at 901-416-6007 for discipline questions. 

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

Thank you for your continuing partnership. I look forward to continuing to serve you. 

All training of school personnel providing assistance with self-administration of medications shall be done by a registered nurse employed or contracted by the local school system.  Training for school personnel in the assistance with self-administration of medicine shall be repeated annually, and competencies shall be documented in the employee’s personnel file.

Medication Administration classes will be taught several times during the 2023-2024 school year by Exceptional Children & Health Services. Sessions are available for registration through PLZ. Please click here for the registration information. 

Registration for SchoolCare training is now available in PLZ. This virtual course is for all school staff in elementary, middle, and high schools who have been designated to input immunizations in SchoolCare. Participants who attend the training will become familiar with the process to input immunizations into SchoolCare as well as learn the immunization requirements for students attending grades PK -12. Participants will obtain user access following successful completion of the training. The PLZ Course number to register is 32479. 

Attention: Elementary and Middle School Leaders

Elementary and Middle/K-8 Schools will receive their student copies of the Ready Read materials beginning next week. The Ready Read delivery window for schools is September 25th - October 6th. Principals, please complete the survey below once your Ready Read materials are delivered to your buildings. In this way, the Curriculum & Instruction ELA Team will be able to ensure each ES/MS/K-8 school receives the necessary materials for instruction.

Ready Read survey: https://forms.office.com/r/NgmMZMdKf1
Completed surveys are due no later than Friday, October 13th.

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org.

The Center for High School Success is proud to announce Booker T. Washington High School as one of its 2023-24 Demonstration Schools. CHSS Demonstration Schools are chosen for their sustained improvement, consistently high 9th Grade On-Track Rates, and exemplary implementation of the CHSS Roadmap. Additionally, Demonstration Schools receive the recommendation from a CHSS 9th Grade Success Coach.   

Demonstration Schools partner with CHSS to showcase the exemplary 9th Grade Success Work to support deep learning for the current national network of high schools and to recruit new schools and districts to engage in 9th Grade Success Work. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Do you teach K-12 Mathematics or K-12 English/Language Arts? Well, MSCS would like your feedback on the use and usability of the Quarter 1 Math and ELA curricula, as well as the supporting resources that are used for planning. Together we achieved a composite score of Level 5, and we want to continue to improve our practice and impact on student outcomes. Therefore, click on your grade and content area survey link(s) below. Let us know your thoughts and experiences with the curriculums thus far.  

All those who complete the survey will be entered to win MSCS Swag!

Surveys are OPEN NOW!

MATH: K-5      6-8      9-12      

ELA: K-2      3-5      6-8      9-12

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org
 

TN Pulse ILP Training & Lab will take place for all ESL Teachers at the TLA on September 28 

• ESL Teachers in grades 6-12 should attend from 8:00 - 11:30 a.m. 
• ESL Teachers in grades K-5 should attend from 11:45a - 3:15p.

We ask that all school leaders work to accommodate ESL Teachers' participation in this mandatory training. 

Our goal for the day is to get as many ILPs created in TN PULSE as possible. 

Thank you! 

Warmest Regards,

Carol Richardson

Director, English as a Second Language (ESL)

Northeast Regional Office | 920 N. Highland | Memphis, TN | 38122 

Phone: 901-416-5727 | Email: richardsoncr@scsk12.org

If you would like to sign up for the mobile mammogram, please see flyer with all the necessary information about the mobile service that will be at Gray's Creek on October 19th, provided we have at least 10 ladies who need the service. If you're interested, please register as soon as possible per the instructions on the flyer.

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of this mobile service and care for your health. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. If you're interested, please register as soon as possible per the instructions on the flyer.

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of this mobile service and care for your health. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns to Caroline Earnest at earnestc@scsk12.org

• Schools may submit General Choice Transfer (GCT) rescind requests for students who are non-compliant with grades, attendance, and behaviors. Rescissions will not be processed until the end of the current semester.
• Please notify parents before submitting a rescind request and wait for confirmation of approval before submitting a centralized withdrawal or notifying parents of a rescind to home school.

Note: All special education (SPE) and displaced students must be vetted according to IEPs standards and McKinney Vento Law.

• Please submit all rescind requests through the following link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lBwpK7Bet0SJ6kuvFuzEqS9JchfmIJpJqRBRxFHAOltUMkxENVI2M1k2R0lZQTJLSFA0TVRIMUpISS4u

***All rescind dates are aligned with MSCS grading periods.

Please note the dates of the October Leadership Development dates and sessions: 

Tuesday, October 17: PLC Coaches 

Tuesday, October 17: DLAs (Evening Session) 

Wednesday, October 18: Principals 

Thursday, October 19: Vice Principals/ Assistant Principals 

Thursday, October 19: DLAs (Evening Session) 

Friday, October 20: Professional School Counselors 

Central Office leaders! Please register for the Central Office Professional Learning Series. The next session is October 04, 2023, at the Teaching and Learning Academy. Use PLZ code 35101 to register. Contact Tari Harris at harristc1@scsk12.org with questions. 

To prepare for online administration of the ACT beginning in October, district-managed high schools are required to participate in a Mock ACT test on Tuesday, September 26 or Wednesday, September 27. 

 All seniors who will be taking the ACT should participate in the Mock ACT.

• The Mock test provided by ACT is not an ACT practice test, does not contain ACT-like questions, and will not provide results.
• The Mock test is designed to ensure that ACT Coordinators and those who will be administering the ACT understand how to perform the necessary test administration tasks on the ACT PearsonAccess site such as creating test sessions, unlocking and starting tests, and resuming tests as needed.
• Similarly, the Mock assessment will test whether students can access TestNav on their devices and successfully log in to the test.
• The Mock ACT will also help to identify any school-specific or district-wide technology issues prior to the administration of the real ACT test.
• The first section of the Mock test is the English test, and we are recommending that students log in to the English test and practice navigating through the questions to make sure they are familiar with the TestNav platform and then practice submitting the English portion of the test. We will not require students to complete any other sections of the test.

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.

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.

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. 

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.