The Fall MSCS Computer Science Integration Training will take place on November 7th, 8th, and 9th 2023. Identified teachers are encouraged to attend the training. The location for the training will be at Southwest Tennessee Community College Macon Cove campus located at 5983 Macon Cove Memphis, TN 38134.

The Computer Science Integration training session empower schools and teachers to promote integration of computer science into all classrooms. Teachers will develop foundational knowledge about computer science and computational thinking concepts. They will also gain an understanding of the new computer science legislation and expectations. The training will provide the teachers with a network of best practices regarding computer science statewide.

See the attachment and a copy of the flyer below for information about the sessions. Please contact Dr. Angela Askew if you have any questions or concerns.

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/personal/youngbh_scsk12_org/Documents/Apps/Microsoft%20Forms/CCTE%20Leaderboard%20Submission%20(Copy)/Upload%20additional%20files%20to%20include%20in%20post/MSCS%20Fall%20Computer%20Science%20Integration%20Traini_LAKATA%20GREEN.jpg

Please be advised that revisions to the following policies were approved by the Board on October 24, 2023. In addition to the links provided below, all policies can be accessed online in BoardDocs here.

1014 Charter School Intervention - New policy

• Aligns with law requiring charter school authorizers to adopt a policy that outlines intervention decisions and actions that will be taken by the Board against a charter school for violation of their charter agreement or for performance deficiencies

 4005 Payroll Deductions

• Aligns policy with new state law prohibiting the district from deducting due for professional association 

4060 Meal and Break Periods

• Deletes language regarding break time for nursing mothers to express breastmilk (pump) 

4064 Lactation Policy - New policy

• Aligns with federal law
• Requires the district to:

(1) Provide a supportive environment for eligible employees to express breastmilk during work hours

1. Allow reasonable break times and private space for a nursing employee to pump at work (up to one year after the birth of their child)
2. Conspicuously post information regarding employee rights relevant to the law

• Allows a covered employee and supervisor to establish reasonable break times to pump as long as the schedule is adjusted as needed to accommodate the employee 

6064 Student Clubs and Organizations

• Aligns policy with new state law requiring written, informed parental consent before a student is allowed to join or participate in activities of any student club and organization

Greetings Principals,

Enclosed is information regarding the AOSS Manual Section - 6.4 Heat-Cold Advisory.  Please familiarize yourself with this information and share it with your teams.

Attention: Elementary and Middle School Leaders

THANK YOU for completing the Ready Read Materials Delivery survey confirming receipt of your student copies of the Ready Read materials. Elementary and Middle/K-8 School principals (or designees) who have not completed the survey, please do so by Tuesday, November 7th. For those that need additional Ready Reading student workbooks, please also use the survey link to communicate the request. 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 by Tuesday, November 7th.

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org.

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, the K-2 Teacher Development Week (TDW) has been moved from November 17, 2023, to December 5, 2023, and it will be held at the Teaching and Learning Academy from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please contact Dr. Lashanda Simmons-Fason at simmonsld@scsk12.org or Dr. Geneva Gordon at gordong@scsk12.org.  

Let's give a hearty applause to our exceptional leaders who are dedicated to reaching our Digital Citizenship goal of 95%! We're making great progress, but we're not stopping there. The perfect score of 100% is well within our grasp if we continue our outstanding efforts. Our next checkpoint is scheduled for November 17th, so let's continue to excel!

If you have any inquiries about completing the course, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Robert Davis, II at davisr6@scsk12.org. We're here to provide assistance in any way possible.

Please note the dates for November Leadership Development Week:

• Monday, November 6, 2023: PLC Coaches
• Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Principals
• Tuesday, November 8, 2023: DLAs (Evening Session)
• Wednesday, November 8, 2023: Assistant/Vice Principals
• Thursday, November 9, 2023: Professional School Counselors
• Thursday, November 9, 2023: DLAs (Evening Session)

Please contact Dr. Angela Nichols at nicholsam@scsk12.org if you have any questions. 

We are nearing the end of first semester in supporting our students social and emotional learning needs with the Rethink curriculum. There have been some changes to the Rethink November and December Scope and Sequence. Check it out to be sure you are in the know. Please be sure to pay close attention to the date for data collection each month: 

• Data for November Compliance Month will be collected Monday, November 20, 2023 EOD.
• Data for December Compliance Month will be collected Friday, December 15, 2023 EOD.

The Office of SEED is conducting an additional PSAP training session on November 7, 2023.  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. 

• Schools may submit General Choice Transfer (GCT) rescind requests for students who are non-compliant with grades, attendance, and behaviors. Rescission 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 (SPED) and displaced students must be vetted according to IEP standards and McKinney Vento Law.
• Please submit all rescind requests through the following link: S.E.E.D. Request Rescind GCT
• Please contact Doris Rice at 416-6007 with any questions.

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

• School administrators must ensure teachers record attendance daily and input grades in Power Teacher 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.   
• Please contact Millie Avery at 416-6007 with any questions. 

• Please note that the district’s Centralized Withdrawal Form will be closed when school is not in session. The upcoming dates are as follow: 
  • Friday, November 10 (Veterans Day)
  • November 20 -24 (Thanksgiving)
• Please contact Justin Doss at 416-6007 with any questions.

• 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)

Principals, 

Save the date...It's that time again! During the week of November 13-17, Memphis Shelby County Schools will display commitment in ensuring a strong academic partnership with our parents and community by allowing schools to host their Fall Family Night. 

This year, we want to see our students involved in "data chats" by discussing and sharing results of their progress from the most recent common and formative assessments.  Family Night is an opportunity for each school to support our shared mission and goals delivering consistent messages to parents regarding student assessments, guidance on accessing data, interpreting results, and a host of other timely information from departments across MSCS.  Please review the information below: 

Data Night Sign-up Form: Please utilize the form to submit your data night information by COB Friday November 3.  Fall Family Data Week 2023

Please access the resources and toolkit here.  This is an exciting event throughout our district.  We encourage you to be creative when inviting families to your school. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact Latosha Wiseman.  

Elementary Principals 

All 1:1 student devices must be distributed by Thursday, November 9, 2023. Devices were shipped to schools as early as the first week of August, with the last bulk shipment delivered on October 20th. Connect with your Digital Support Ambassadors to ensure that all devices delivered have been distributed to teachers/students.

 Teachers should be required to support students with devices just as they do with textbooks or any other classroom materials and instructional supplies. Remember that devices are our new way of life and will be secured primarily on campus for the sole purpose of teachers engaging students with technology integration. As devices are distributed to teachers, their first task is to have students sign-in to the device with the student's unique username and password. Teachers should enter Ivanti (IT) workorders for any devices with an issue and request support from the Digital Support Ambassador if the issue cannot be resolved by IT.

 Important Reminders: 

1) Teachers shall not encourage or allow students to share 1:1 devices. 

2) Teachers shall not encourage or allow students to share usernames and/or passwords.

3) Teachers shall not use their credentials to login to 1:1 student devices.

Middle and High School

Currently the only students who are without a 1:1 device are students who owe a fine for a previously lost or damaged device or accessory. Students will not receive a replacement device until all fines have been satisfied. Please meet with your Digital Device Ambassador and request a list of all students who are currently without a 1:1 device. The list should include detailed notes regarding what the student owes and should identify if a student is Direct Certified. All Direct Certified students may use a waiver to satisfy fines for a lost or physically damaged device.

Please email or call Kemba Edwards or Valerie Matthews with any devices related questions. We are happy to support.

Do you need coats and other winter clothing for your students? If so, please complete the survey linked below to provide information about your students’ needs by Friday, November 10. 

Each school is asked to designate one person to serve as the coordinator for this effort. That person will be responsible for providing size information for up to 10 students and picking items up on the day of distribution in December.  Requests will be filled based on availability, and an MSCS FACE team member will contact the coordinator to confirm a pick-up time for each school.
 

Link to Submit Coat Requests: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OWH23

As we sunset the 5 Star Service Award, we are excited to announce the launch of "Leading from the Frontline". This recognition highlights school-based and District office front-line staff for their commitment to provide excellent customer service to parents and families. Each month, we will recognize outstanding staff members who are making a positive impact at MSCS schools and District Offices. These individuals may be nominated by any constituent (parents/guardians, students, community partners, supervisors, administrators, teachers, etc.).

You should have already received two posters (one English version and one Spanish version) that should be displayed in the main office or hallway leading into the main office along with postcards for your front office desk, which can be shared with those who visit your school. We want to continue to acknowledge those hard-working professionals who genuinely serve, guide, and deliver exceptional experiences to our students, families, and community.

For more information, please contact Dr. Kemmashela Conner <smithkt@scsk12.org>.

Check out what’s happening in our employee Family Care Center (FCC) and School-Based Health Clinics (SBC). Student Support Services will offer the “The Clinic View” newsletter each month during the school year.

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EYS7PYnqnMxAtfrQ63DLP-0BVFgJ164gLK9sRW1SXTFwQg?e=dAW3dz

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EQirziYxZ49KnyEJ5PYpD3wB2x5g-RnSFVydzaNJ_r7mZw?e=HAD1NC

As regular season winter contests begin, please be reminded: 

·         Staff, students, and families should be reminded of MSCS event security procedures and clear bag policies

o    Post signage around your venue entrances and notify attendees to alleviate confusion at ticket gates.  

o    To the extent possible, ask your players to avoid bringing backpacks to the games.

o     Refresher Video: MSCS Event Security Procedures Video

·         Volunteer coaches should have completed the background check process with FACE.

·         Unauthorized people should not be allowed in team areas i.e. sidelines, benches, locker rooms etc.… 

·         Children that are not participating are not allowed on sidelines and benches.

·         Behavioral expectations should be announced to all players and visitors prior to any athletic event. 

·         All MSCS Employees should be reminded to observe the MSCS Employee Standards of Conduct at events via Employee Handbook.

·         Each participating school must have an administrator or designee present at every athletic contest and identify themselves to any officials directing the game.  

·         An administrator or designee should accompany visiting teams upon arrival and departure from the facility. 

·         The host school is responsible for the safe passage of game officials upon arrival and departure from the facility. 

Safety isn't limited to the time spent at athletic contests; it extends to when our staff, students and fans leave the venue. We encourage you to communicate and promote these important safety tips:

• Park in Well-Lit Areas: Advise staff, students, and fans to park their vehicles in well-lit areas. Visibility is a powerful deterrent to unwanted incidents.
• Valuables Out of Sight: Remind everyone to stow valuables out of sight. Leaving items in plain view may attract theft.
• Lock Your Vehicles: Ensure that vehicles are securely locked. This simple step can prevent break-ins.
• Travel in Groups: Encourage carpooling or walking in groups, especially at night. There's safety in numbers.
• Report Signs of Trouble: If anyone sees trouble or suspicious activity, urge them to report it to the proper authorities immediately.

Safety is a collective responsibility, and by promoting these measures, we can help keep our school community safe even after the final whistle has blown. Thank you for your commitment to safety and the well-being of our school community.

All Fall PowerSchool entries should have been completed by August 29th.  Winter Sports Power School entries are due by November 27th.

• The Fall Student Perception Survey is vastly approaching. The survey window will run from October  30 - November 9.
• Site Coordinator Training Dates:   All Site Coordinators should register for one of the virtual sessions in PLZ.  Course #32320. The training dates are October 5, October 16, and October 18. 

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.

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.

Per the TDOE, Educator Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) scores for 2022-23 are live in the TNCompass platform. 

Information regarding the calculations for 2022-23 teacher evaluations may be found here.  

For an educator to receive an LOE score, all required component scores (depending on the evaluation type) must be present in TNCompass.  Components include Observation, Achievement, Growth, Professionalism, and/or Student Perception Survey)  Note: Educators identified as partial year exemption (PYE) will not receive an LOE score.    

For questions regarding missing component scores or other evaluation-related questions, please submit a PLZ HelpDesk ticket so that the EPS can research the issue (link also available in PLZ under "PLZ Help").  

New Releases:

• Tutoring Dashboard is now updated and available! You can use it for 4th grade tracking and attendance/discipline tracking for all grades.
  • See the user guide for more information!
     
• RTI-A now has updated SOAR Cycle 1 data in the SOAR Report!

• RTI-A Characteristics of Dyslexia now has updated business rules aligned with the DIG and state compliance.
  • See the user guide for more information about the report!
    
     
• Q1 Report Card Grades are available in Student Grades!
  • See the user guides for more information!

• Student Enrollment now has a Student Report page allowing you to drill down and see data for a specific student!
  • See the user guide for more information!
     

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

Coming Soon:

• Student Reports in both Student Grades and Student Assessments

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

Training and Support Resources:  

Virtual Office Hours sessions this week (11/07 and 11/09) we will go over the updated Tutoring reports.

Next week (11/14 and 11/16), will be an Open Forum Q&A session. So, please bring any questions you have, and we will be there to help.
 

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

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

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 if you need support.  

----------------------------
Power BI Access:

Principals can give school staff members access through the PowerBI Access App. For more information about how to use the app, see this user guide! 
----------------------------

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.