We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2024 Read to Achieve Six-Week Challenge for 3rd-5th grade students! With assistance from sponsors Sylvamo and KPMG, the Grizzlies are working to help kids across the Mid-South develop a love for reading through this fun and engaging challenge.

From January 22nd through March 1st, students will read one book per week that is outside of their curriculum. This year’s theme is “Read Around the World” where students will read one book that aligns with the week’s theme to score from each spot on the Read to Achieve court. Each week, classes and students will be eligible to win a fun variety of prizes!

To register, please click the link HERE to be directed to the Read to Achieve website. Only one application is required per school, and each school must have a designated Reading Challenge Coordinator who will act at the liaison. 

Additional information regarding materials, reporting, and prizes will be shared after registration. Please reach out to scook@grizzlies.com with any questions. 

Happy Reading!

It is time to host our annual School Choice Showcase! Please designate a School Choice Showcase Coordinator for your school and have them follow the instructions below.

Showcase:

Show Up and Show Out!

We want the 901 community to see the various highlights, displays, academic, and extracurricular options available within MSCS. We are even featuring a Student Entrepreneurship Fair this year to highlight our business savvy students!! Please use your school tablecloths, banners, other promotional items and much, much more to ensure your area stands head and shoulders with the rest! In the past, some schools have used balloons, banners, mascots, props, etc. to deck their booths and draw families over to learn more about their amazing school.

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL HERE!!!
 

Student Entrepreneur Fair:

Please encourage MSCS student entrepreneurs to sign up and participate in the Student Entrepreneur Fair. Each student will have a table and 2 chairs to showcase their business. Students can sign up HERE!! See flyer attached.

Students must have a business license to participate.​​

Dress/Attire:

Please encourage your teams to dress in school colors, spirit wear, and paraphernalia.

Set-Up:

Setup will be staggered on February 2, 2024, from 10:00am-4:00pm. Please sign up for a shift to set up using this link: 2024 School Choice Showcase Set-up

Volunteers:

We are in need of volunteers for the showcase. We are requesting 1-2 volunteers from each school, in addition to staff that may be working in the booth.  Volunteers can sign up at the link below.

Student, Family, and Community Affairs: School Choice Showcase 2023-2024 (signupgenius.com)

A map, event parking instructions and more information will be shared after the Christmas break. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or concerns.

Registration for CPR/AED Narcan (Naloxone) training will soon be available in PLZ and is recommended for all staff in elementary, middle, and high schools. This training will be to certify individuals in CPR and the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) the nasal spray version of the opioid antagonist that can prevent death by overdose.   Participants who attend this class will obtain information about opioids and opioid antagonists. Since all individuals must be trained in the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) before the drug is administered, staff who attend CPR certification courses will now be trained in the administration of this medication.

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will know how to perform CPR and how to administer an opioid antagonist to reverse an opioid overdose. 

Please make sure that any school-hired Behavior Specialists participate in the scheduled training to receive steps on navigating our SEED Intervention Platform (SIP), if they have not already done so. These interventions and supports will be reflected within your progressive discipline data. Licenses are being provided for this particular subset of staff. 

Training Date: January 4, 2024

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Microsoft Teams Link: Click here to join the meeting 

Please contact Dr. Sherenda Moss (Counseling Manager) at MOSSSI@scsk12.org, if you have questions pertaining to the SIP.

When entering discipline incidents in Incident Management as well as printing the Official Suspension Notification, please use these steps.

• Please note that the district’s Centralized Withdrawal Form will be closed when school is not in session. The upcoming dates are as follow: 
  • December 21st -January 3rd (Winter Break for Students)
• Please contact Justin Doss at 416-6007 with any questions.

• As the winter holidays approach, please remind families of the importance of regular school attendance. Absences tend to increase during the days leading up to and following a holiday, but every day a student is absent is a lost opportunity for learning. Regular school attendance is essential for student success. 
• To remind families of the importance of regular school attendance, you may want to:
  • Send a letter home to students or post a reminder on the school website.
  • Thank families for their partnership and emphasize the importance of their support in ensuring that students attend school every day.
  • Highlight the many opportunities that students gain from attending school, such as academic enrichment, social and emotional development, and preparation for college and careers.
• To maintain student engagement and enthusiasm, consider planning a fun activity for the day before break begins and for the day school resumes.

Thank you for your commitment to student success. By working together, we can help all students reach their full potential.

• 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.
• 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. 

This is the FINAL REQUEST for all middle and high school principals to select the teacher of record for the Computer Science (CS) course. The teacher(s) selected will teach the required CS course for the 2024-2025 school year. The window will close on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

Middle school students are required to take one grading period of CS during their middle school career. High school students are required to take one credit of CS for high school graduation. Teachers must have the appropriate endorsement to teach CS coursework. This survey is to identify middle and high school teachers who will teach required CS courses for the 2024-25 school year and determine their endorsement needs before CS requirements begin. Please see the Graduation Substitution Policy for the approved list of CS courses.

Only individuals with decision-making abilities related to hiring, personnel, and teacher assignments should complete this survey.

Please only submit one survey per school. If you will need additional teachers trained pleased identify those teachers in the additional information section.

Click the link to submit the Computer Science teacher(s) name:
https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/computer_science_teacher_need_survey 

Greetings Principals,

As we approach the winter break, we wanted to provide you with a copy of AOSS Manual protocol 1.11 Display and Distribution of Non-District-School Materials. The protocol explains that the display and distribution of non-district/school materials in schools and to students requires approval.  Please review this information and share it with your team.

According to the 12-month hourly work schedule, Specialized Education Assistants (SEAs) are scheduled to work three days (Dec. 21 and Jan. 2-3) during Winter Break unless days off have been requested and approved by school administration.  

SEAs are expected to report to their school sites each day, and engage in either of the following: 

(1) complete professional learning assignments as outlined by the Early Literacy Department  OR 

(2) complete tasks assigned by the school administrator 
  

Please carefully read the following information. 

If SEAs plan to be off during the Winter Break, they should follow the request for vacation policies as outlined by their school's administrative handbook. 

If an SEA takes vacation, the SEA is not required to complete professional learning assignments on the days approved for vacation. 

If an SEA is not taking vacation days and the SEA's school administrator has tasks for the SEA to complete, the SEA does not have to complete the Early Literacy professional learning assignments. In this case, it is the school's responsibility to capture and report the SEA's hours worked. 

If the school administrator does not provide tasks for the SEA to complete during the three days of Winter Break, the SEA must complete the professional learning assignments for each day worked. 

Please see assignments here: SEA Winter Break Professional Learning SY23-24 

Any questions regarding tasks or assignments, please call or email the Early Literacy Office at 901-416-4801 or EarlyLiteracyDept@scsk12.org. 

For technical/Internet issues, please contact IT 901-416-2700. 

Please note the dates for January 2024 Leadership Development Week. 

• Monday, January 8, 2024: Leadership Development Week - PLC Coaches
• Tuesday, January 9, 2024: Leadership Development Week - Principals
• Tuesday, January 9, 2024: Leadership Development Week - DLAs (Evening Session)
• Wednesday, January 10, 2024: Leadership Development Week - Vice/Assistant Principals 
• Thursday, January 11, 2024: Leadership Development Week - Professional School Counselors 
• Thursday, January 11, 2024: Leadership Development Week - DLAs (Evening Session)

For more information, please contact Dr. Angela Nichols at nicholsam@scsk12.org. 

We are delighted to extend an invitation to our upcoming End of Course (EOC) Professional Development Series, meticulously designed to cater to the needs of high school EOC teachers in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

• January 17, 2024: "Standards & Student Work Analysis" – Kingsbury High School (9th Grade Building).
• February 7, 2024: "Collaborative Planning & Deliberate Practice" – Germantown High School. 
• March 6, 2024: "Standards & Student Work Analysis" – Location to be determined.

These sessions are scheduled from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, providing a concentrated time frame for impactful learning. We believe these gatherings present a fantastic opportunity for professional growth and collaboration. We strongly encourage the attendance of all EOC teachers. For more information, please contact Dr. Tiffany Boyle at boyletd@scsk12.org, Dr. Geneva Gordon at gordong@scsk12.org, or Dr. Jarita A. Mitchell at mitchellja@scsk12.org.

As a result of the TDOE finalizing SY22-23 LOE scores, the EPS office will update track assignments effective December 20th.  Please note, only the track name will change, not the evaluation plan. The PowerBI dashboard will reflect the track and correct number of required observations. (Observation Completion Status Dashboard).  Track assignment definitions are provided below.  

• Teachers on a Novice track require 4 observations (1 announced & 3 unannounced).  
• Teachers on a Focus track require an ICC and 3 observations (1 announced & 2 unannounced).  
• Teachers on a Proficient track require 2 observations (1 announced & 1 unannounced). 

For additional questions contact EPS at eps@scsk12.org or 901.416.2475.

Per the TDOE, the final ACT (Achievement) and CTE (Growth) measure results from the State for the 2022-2023 SY have not yet been released.  The public release is projected to occur by mid-December.  Educators who selected ACT as their Achievement measure and/or CTE as their Growth measure will not have an LOE at this current time.  Information regarding the calculations for 2022-23 teacher evaluations may be found ​2022-23-Evaluation-Composite-Weighting.pdf​. 

For inquiries or assistance regarding missing 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"). 

**Note: Educators identified as partial year exemption (PYE) will not receive an LOE score.    

NOTE:  THOSE DESIRING TO UPDATE THEIR OCTOBER CHOICE AND/OR DID NOT MAKE A PREVIOUS G&A SELECTION.  THIS IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ALL EDUCATORS.   

By January 12th, an additional growth and achievement container will be visible for educators in PLZ under the "My Evaluation" tab inside the Growth and Achievement tab entitled "Revised Growth and Achievement".  Any educator who desires to update their October selections or make a selection for SY2023-24 will be able to do so until January 31st.  

Be reminded both the educator and evaluator must sign off in the new container to indicate the desire for a change.

For additional questions contact EPS at eps@scsk12.org or 901.416.2475.

Our annual Ready Graduate cross-functional planning meetings will begin Thursday, January 4 to support all schools in expanding EPSO course offerings for 2024-25. With a collaborative effort, we can meet our districtwide goals and continue to make progress in increasing the number of Ready Graduates at each school and preparing our students for post-secondary outcomes and opportunities. These meetings will include representatives from Advanced Academics, CCTE, Planning and Accountability, Research and Performance Management, Office of Equity and Access, ILDs, and/or other central office departments as needed to ensure that all schools have a robust plan that meets the expectations of the state’s College and Career Readiness indicator as well as the needs of your entire student population. Please utilize the following calendar link, www.tinyurl.com/readygradmeetingcalendar, to sign up for a time slot and indicate which members of your team will be present. All principals should be present during their selected meeting time. CTE centers should meet at the same time as their feeder schools. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration in this critical work. Please contact Linda Sklar or Tanika Lester if you have questions. 

With COVID-19, RSV, and influenza (FLU) the symptoms overlap. Clinic staff uses a questionnaire that is beneficial in identifying symptoms related to all three. To ensure the safety of the patients and the staff, we utilize telehealth for identified symptoms. For more information, please call the clinic at 416-6079 or you may call Health Promotions at 416-6432.

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. We understand space is limited with your schools. Help us with securing a quiet room to perform effective hearing screenings. Please ensure “Opt-Out” forms have gone home before your scheduled screening date. We are also encouraging you to send text messaging, robo calls, and include on your school’s website calendar. Support us in spreading the word to parents/guardians for this needed service. See calendar for your school dates of middle, high, and charter 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/ERoF-WKDeBtKiex8THU02d0BRwr2ka5LbhJK2pPSiWGsRQ?e=fy0yiC

Need immunizations, sports, 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. See flyer for details. For more information, please call Health Promotions at 416-6432.

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EZBwwdmqXvZFi9pXWM74sIcBAu3QqOgwLb-GcVFwZYc51Q?e=u7k0kJ

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EfKNgv7loshLrF1z4RAUIDkBXfbQXefGftuHHevU3zeFdw?e=x9BxPH

Methodist LeBonheur Community Care Associates is partnering with Memphis Shelby County Schools to provide FLU shots for staff and dependents. You may call 416-6709 for an appointment. See flyer for available locations and additional details. For more information, please call Health Promotions at 416-6432.

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/ERue2T5LUUVCt7-irVQWVnYBnNMSm8wTGmjIyaszG72EzA?e=FfCLNs

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-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EUh1fP4wTRlNkiBBpsVS3zsByJOC4LVk1ZPvBQtfz8GuEA?e=tBcQpG

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/edwardst1_scsk12_org/EeoR1tRi5NJFtagGBFVOBPMByAzW2vorSncv0La4VXuUag?e=bMJM9B

As a result of the TDOE finalizing SY22-23 LOE scores, the EPS office will update track assignments effective December 20th.  Please note, only the track name will change, not the evaluation plan. The PowerBI dashboard will reflect the track and correct number of required observations.

(Observation Completion Status Dashboard)  

Track assignment definitions are provided below.  

• Teachers on a Novice track require 4 observations (1 announced & 3 unannounced).  
• Teachers on a Focus track require an ICC and 3 observations (1 announced & 2 unannounced).  
• Teachers on a Proficient track require 2 observations (1 announced & 1 unannounced). 

NOTE:  THOSE DESIRING TO UPDATE THEIR OCTOBER CHOICE AND/OR DID NOT MAKE A PREVIOUS G&A SELECTION.  THIS IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ALL EDUCATORS.   

By January 12th, an additional growth and achievement container will be visible for educators in PLZ under the "My Evaluation" tab inside the Growth and Achievement tab entitled "Revised Growth and Achievement".  Any educator who desires to update their October selections or make a selection for SY2023-24 will be able to do so until January 31st.  

Be reminded both the educator and evaluator must sign off in the new container to indicate the desire for a change.

For additional questions contact EPS at eps@scsk12.org or 901.416.2475.

Level of Effectiveness (TEM) scores have been released and are visible in TNCompass for most educators.  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).  

Per the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), Teacher LOEs from 2022-23 should be finalized and signed with a PIN by Friday, December 15, 2023.   Guidance on signing evaluations can be found here.  It is also on the TEAM website under the TN Compass tab. ​

**Note: Educators identified as partial year exemption (PYE) will not receive an LOE score.    

Per the TDOE, the final ACT (Achievement) and CTE (Growth) measure results from the State for the 2022-2023 SY have not yet been released.  The public release is projected to occur by mid-December.  Educators who selected ACT as their Achievement measure and/or CTE as their Growth measure will not have an LOE at this current time.  Information regarding the calculations for 2022-23 teacher evaluations may be found 2022-23-Evaluation-Composite-Weighting.pdf.   

For inquiries or assistance regarding missing 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"). 

​

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.

Cheerleading in schools serves as a spirited support for athletic teams, fostering a sense of community and school pride. Positive cheers create a supportive atmosphere, promoting sportsmanship and unity. It has been brought to the attention of Student Support that schools may be participating in what has been termed "dis-cheering".  Cheer teams should be committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for participants at events.  Discouraging negative cheers helps maintain a respectful environment, preventing harm or disrespect towards opponents and maintaining a positive image for the school.

Please review the following guidelines with your Winter Cheer Coaches/Sponsors.

Guidelines for the Cheerleaders: 

 1.Cheerleaders’ functions are to make a positive contribution to good spectator reaction at an athletic contest and to create better relations between opposing supporters. 

 2. Cheers should be positive, not aimed at antagonizing an opponent. Care should be taken in making certain that words used in a cheer are not suggestive and do not have a connotation which would inflame the audience.  

3. Cheerleaders should be alert to potentially disruptive crowd influences and take immediate steps to promote positive cheering from the crowd.  

4. Cheerleaders are expected to lead the group in a round of applause for an injured player leaving the game.  

5. When booing occurs, the cheerleaders should attempt to stop it. It is important that any booing is waved off immediately. If the booing becomes louder, the cheerleaders should help to divert the crowd’s attention by starting a popular yell routine. Immediate action is the key to control booing. 

 6. Cheerleaders who display negative conduct and attitudes should be disciplined appropriately.  

7. Cheerleaders should promote a spirit of friendliness between schools. 

8. Cheerleaders should be ever conscious that they are official student representatives of their school and so conduct themselves to bring credit to it. 

We appreciate the atmosphere and support cheer teams provide for athletic contests.  Let's keep up the great work!