Greetings Principals,

As the district continues to provide employees with information about child abuse, we wanted you to be reminded of the important information contained in the Child Abuse Reporting and Child Abuse-DCS Visits protocols found in the AOSS Manual. Please review this information with your team.

Attention MSCS Leaders!

The ELA Department of Curriculum and Instruction is excited to introduce a new resource which has been developed to provide targeted support for deepening understanding of the TN ELA Academic Standards. An overview of the guides which includes details around the purpose, how to access, and use the guides is provided via the voiceover presentations included in this announcement. To learn more about your grade's ELA Standards Guides, click the appropriate grade band below:

• ES_Introducing ELA Standards Guides_Overview
• MS_Introducing ELA Standards Guides_Overview
• HS_Introducting the ELA Standards Guides Overview

Please use the steps provided when printing an In-School Suspension, Out of School Suspension and Readmission Form. 

As we continue to work towards maintaining positive and safe learning environments for the second semester, please see following discipline reminders to ensure that our district remains compliant with federal and state regulations.

Let's begin 2024 by continuing to successfully implement our Rethink curriculum and provide our students with the social emotional skills needed for success. Please preview the upcoming Rethink Scope and Sequence for the upcoming months. Be sure to pay close attention to the date for data collection each month: 

• Data for January Compliance Month will be collected Friday, January 26, 2024 EOD.
• Data for February Compliance Month will be collected Friday, February 23, 2024 EOD.

• In-person training and onboarding for NEWLY appointed Digital Device and Digital Support Ambassadors will occur on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. This will be the final onboarding for DDAs and DSAs this school year. A calendar invite will be sent to all newly appointed DDAs/DSAs with information regarding the training location, date, and time.  
•  If you need to appoint a new Digital Device or Digital Support Ambassador due to a resignation or leave absence for your previous DDA or DSA, please CLICK HERE to complete the DDA/DSA Leave of Absence/Resignation Form. 

For questions, please email device_support@scsk12.org. 

Per Board Policy #6047 (School Fees and Debts), report cards, diplomas and transcripts of students who take MSCS property or who have incurred a debt to a school, shall be withheld until the student makes restitution in full. Holds should be placed on report cards, diplomas and transcripts requested by the parent or student until the device is returned or payment for the device has been satisfied.

•  Please communicate to all staff with access to PowerSchool that removing a record hold prior to a fine being satisfied is a violation of Board Policy #6046. Holds should not be removed until it has been verified that the fine has been satisfied.
• School-based clerical staff should connect with their school's Digital Device or Digital Support Ambassador for all 1:1 device related holds on student records. 
• If your school does not have a Digital Device or Digital Support Ambassador, please email device_support@scsk12.org for questions regarding fines and holds associated with 1:1 student devices. 

The Student Technology Xpert Program (Tech Xpert) presents another exciting opportunity for middle school students.  The last edition of our Saturday coding series for this school year will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 9am-2pm at Kate Bond Middle School (2737 Kate Bond Rd, Memphis, TN 38133). During Get Ready, Let’s Code! 4 Mobile App Development, students will engage in computer science and STEM by building their very own functional mobile app using MAD-Learn. MAD-Learn allows students to experience coding through reverse engineering and introduces HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn 21st century skills for career development and readiness. They will be empowered to create technology, not just consume it! This event is open to all MSCS middle school students; however, space is limited to the first 400 students to sign up. You must register between February 5-16, 2024, and you must bring your 1:1 device to participate. This is a great field trip opportunity for students. Feel free to provide bus transportation if your school has a large number of registrants.  

We hope to see your school represented on February 24th for some fun with Mobile App Development! If you have any questions, contact Cashundra Jefferson at (901) 416-1794 or email scs-techxpert@scsk12.org. See the attached flyers for more information.   

Click link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/dSrUD29ZP1 

Click here to scan the QR Code to register: 

View Get Ready, Let's Code! 4 flyer in English: 

View Get Ready, Let's Code! 4 flyer in Spanish: 

• Save the date! The online School Choice transfer application will open on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Parents and guardians can access the application portal at www.scsk12.org. 
• Apply online anytime and from anywhere using any device with an internet connection.  

• Current MSCS students: Please use your PowerSchool ID to apply. 
• Students can apply for up to two General Choice options.

• 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 Mildred 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:  February 19th (President’s Day) 
• Please contact Justin Doss at 416-6007 with any questions. 

• Online registration will officially launch on Tuesday, March 19th for the 2024-25 school year. 
• Enrollment, registration, and attendance training for school staff will be offered from January through March. These training sessions will equip staff with the knowledge and resources to effectively support students and families during the registration process. 

          Enrollment, Registration, and Centralized Withdrawal Process 

          Course #: 34911 

          Location: TTC - 3772 Jackson 

          Registration is open! Please sign up in PLZ

• Please note that completing online registration is mandatory for all students seeking enrollment in Memphis Shelby County Schools for the 2024-25 school year. 
• Failure to register during the designated period will result in students not being considered enrolled for the upcoming academic year. 
• Please contact Mildred Avery at 416-6007 with any questions. 

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ 2024 Leadership Symposium stands as a flagship professional learning and networking event meticulously crafted to empower both emerging and seasoned school leaders. The primary objective is to equip participants with indispensable tools, fostering continuous improvement in key areas of educational leadership. 

Stay informed by signing up to receive notifications about conference updates, registration, and additional details on the MSCS Leadership Symposium Website at www.scsk12.org/ls.  

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at symposium@scsk12.org. Join us in shaping the future of education through collaboration and shared leadership! 

The Professional Learning & Support Department of Memphis-Shelby County Schools is excited to invite proposals for the 2024 MSCS Leadership Symposium, scheduled for June 10-14, 2024, at Southwind High School. This year's theme, "Building Tomorrow, Together," focuses on three key conference learning strands: School, Equity, Enrollment, and Discipline; Instructional Leadership; and Business Operations. 

We encourage proposal submissions that inspire leaders to think critically and creatively, prompting them to: 

• Evaluate current practices and establish goals for increased student growth and achievement. 
• Cultivate new collaborations to foster strong academic and social culture and climates. 
• Manage schools with operational excellence and fiscal prudence. 

To submit proposals, please use the following link: 2024 Leadership Symposium Call for Proposals The submission deadline is March 29, 2024, at 11:59 pm.  

For additional details and to access the full Call for Proposals, visit www.scsk12.org/ls. 

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at symposium@scsk12.org. We look forward to your innovative contributions to the conference! 

WIDA ACCESS Testing

The English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) for TN ELs, WIDA ACCESS, begins next week. The WIDA ACCESS test administration window opens on February 5th. Please work with appropriate staff to support testing, including ensuring the required technology is updated and available. BTCs may reach out directly to their ESL Advisor with ACCESS-related questions.​

Thank you for prioritizing the administration of this state-mandated assessment.

Warm Regards,

Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Magda Sakaan
Manager, English as a Second Language Department

Professional Learning & Support kindly requests that you utilize the Microsoft Forms Link provided to upload your agendas for District Learning Day. Your cooperation in completing this task by close of business on February 9, 2024, is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, contact Christopher Stewart at stewartc2@scsk12.org. 

We are excited to present the Professional Learning Catalog for February 2024. Thank you for your continued support of Professional Learning and Support. We look forward to actively helping you enhance and refine your skills.

Please note the dates for Teacher Development Week :  

• Monday, January 29, 2024: English Language Arts and Social Studies Content Leads
• Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Math Content Leads
• Wednesday, January 31, 2024: Science Content Leads
• Tuesday, February 06, 2024: Early Literacy Content Leads

For more information, please contact Dr. Geneva Gordon at gordong@scsk12.org. 

The Semester 2 New and Novice Teacher Content Intensives are planned for the following date range:

• February 5, 2024 – February 15, 2024

Be sure to check for further communication from Dr. Tiffany Boyle for additional details.

The Spring Student Perception Survey window is February 26th - March 8th.

Site Coordinator Updates: 

• Change in Site Coordinator. Principals are asked to use this link to update and/or make changes to the Site Coordinator for the spring administration.
• Site Coordinator Training. Training for Site Coordinators will take place virtually on February 5th, February 8th, and February 13th.   All Site Coordinators should register for one of the sessions in PLZ. Course #35888

Should you have any questions, please reach out to the District lead, Courtney Skipper by phone, 901.416.2475, or via email, skipperc@scsk12.org.

We are delighted to announce a fantastic opportunity brought to you by our Educational Technology team! Introducing our one-hour school-based professional learning sessions, designed to empower your teachers and students with the skills to seamlessly integrate technology into instruction.

Why choose our sessions?

• Tailored to Your School: Our sessions are customized to meet the specific needs of your school.
• Differentiated Learning: We provide a variety of options to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences.
• Quick Implementation: Get your teachers and students using technology effectively in no time!

To secure a session for February, simply click on the link below and choose from our menu of professional development offerings: https://bit.ly/BLSpring2024 

Given the limited availability, we strongly encourage you to schedule your session promptly. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance educational technology in your school!

Contact Stephanie Dennis at dennissm@scsk12.org if you have any questions.

Elevate your brand and connect with top school leaders nationwide by becoming a sponsor for the highly anticipated MSCS Leadership Symposium. Registration is now open until March 22, 2024, offering sponsors a unique chance to engage and network with the best minds in education. 

This year's theme is "Building Tomorrow, Together: Leadership in Action!" Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this dynamic event. Secure your spot by registering today at www.scsk12.org/ls. Act fast, as spaces are limited! 

 Stay in the loop with all things MSCS Leadership Symposium—receive timely updates on conference details, registration, lodging, and more. Simply visit the MSCS Leadership Symposium Website at www.scsk12.org/ls and sign up for notifications. 

 For any inquiries, reach out to us via email at symposium@scsk12.org. Join us in shaping the future of education! 

The February 2024 District Learning Day Guidebook is now available.  This comprehensive resource contains pertinent information and guidelines to facilitate a smooth learning experience. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students' success.

Customer Service W.O.R.K.S. Training – "Creating a Welcoming Environment"  

Greetings, School Leaders! 

Does your front-line staff need to replenish their “toolbox” with easy and practical ideas to provide excellent customer service? Do they want to improve customer confidence in MSCS as a service provider? We’ve got you! The FACE Department will host a series of customer service interactive sessions to learn and share evidence-based practices to foster a culture of trust and strengthen customer experience. “Creating a Welcoming Environment” will be offered on February 6 and February 8 (attend one session). Please encourage your front-line staff to attend one of these sessions. Click here to register in PLZ.  

Course: #34563

Dates & Times:  

Tuesday., February 6, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  

Thursday, February 8, 2024 – 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location:  Teacher and Learning Academy           

                  2485 Union Avenue 

                  Memphis, Tennessee 38112  

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Dr. Kemmashela Conner (smithkt@scsk12.org).

Anne Dallas Dudley Award application deadline is February 5, 2024.

The Tennessee Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, is sponsoring the Anne Dallas Dudley Award to recognize Tennessee high schools that reach at least 85% voter registration participation of eligible students, 18 years old or older by the next election, March 5, 2024.

You can find additional information at: https://sos.tn.gov/products/anne-dallas-dudley-award.

The Department of Family & Community Engagement will host a two-generational college and career fair on Thursday, February 8 (*NEW DATE*) at Kingsbury High School from 4p.m.-7p.m. The goal of this program is to inform families about college and career options and opportunities specific to students of diverse backgrounds. Click here for flyers.

Information provided will include:   

• Public and private colleges & universities will provide information to students and families about the application, admissions process as well as special programs and support for first-generation and culturally diverse scholars and their families.   
• Representatives will be available to explain the FAFSA process as well. 
• Local organizations that offer employment opportunities to those desiring to enter the work force upon graduation will be present to share information about available pathway options. 

Our local higher education partners include the University of Memphis, Southwest Community College, Christian Brothers University, Rust College, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and others.  The presentation will be offered in three languages:  English - Spanish – Arabic.