Colleagues,

To ensure the accuracy of appeal hearing proceedings and uphold the highest level of due process for families, please review the following guidelines in preparation for an In-Person or Virtual Appeal Hearing:

Key Considerations

• Be Detailed: Provide a comprehensive account of the incident to create a clear and accurate picture of what occurred.
• Maintain Objectivity: Avoid letting emotions influence your decision-making process.
• Follow Guidelines: Refer to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Suggested Guidelines when issuing consequences. (See attached). Additionally, please continue to make yourself familiar with policies #6022 Student Conduct and #6026 Appeals Related to Student Discipline.
• Consider Timing: If modifications to the consequence are made, Network Hearing Officials will attempt to return students to their home school at the end of an academic break (e.g., Fall, Winter, or Spring Break).
• Impact on Education: Clearly articulate how the incident disrupted the educational process at school, if applicable.

Hearings Requirements

In-Person Hearings

1. Quiet and Safe Space: Ensure the hearing is conducted in a calm, secure environment.
2. Separate Deliberation Area: Provide a private space for the family during deliberations.
3. Documentation: Bring at least three copies of all materials you plan to present, including:
   • Student statements

• Witness statements
• Photographs
• Administrative narratives

1. Redact Sensitive Information: Remove the names of other students from statements, particularly on the copies provided to parents/guardians.
2. Witness Testimony: Ensure any witnesses are present to testify. If a witness cannot attend, have their written statement available.

Virtual Hearings

1. Artifact Sharing: Email all hearing-related materials (except videos) to the parent/guardian and the Hearing Official in advance of the hearing.
2. Video Restrictions: Do not share videos containing other students to protect their privacy.

Remember, we are all on the same team! Following these guidelines will help ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient hearing process for all parties involved. If you have any additional questions, please contact your assigned Hearing Official or Ms. June Nickols at nickolsjl@scsk12.org .

Progressive Discipline Guide: OneDrive

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 essential safety tips: 

MSCS Event Procedures 

• Staff, students, and families should be reminded of MSCS event security procedures and clear bag policies. 
• Post signage around your venue entrances and notify attendees to alleviate confusion at ticket gates.  
• To the extent possible, ask your players to avoid bringing backpacks to the games. 
• Refresher Video: MSCS Event Security Procedures Video 

Parking Lot 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. Also, report any light outages to the appropriate personnel.

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.  We continue to be appreciative of your commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community.