Please see the 1/6/2025 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

The Office of Literacy is thrilled to announce that All Memphis will be offering professional learning sessions specifically designed for our SEAs! Over the months of January, February, and March, there will be a total of six engaging in-person sessions available to all SEAs. These sessions will significantly enhance the role of SEAs in K-2 classrooms by equipping them with essential skills necessary for effective student support. Attendance is required for all SEAs. 

For more information, please refer to the SEA Training Packet: https://bit.ly/3DMgQ22

Are you a teacher or know a teacher interested in revamping the way you approach reading? The Memphis Literacy Institute is offering limited full scholarships to K-5 ELA/ESL teachers! Please access the flyer below for more information.  The deadline to apply is February 28, 2025.

MSCS 2025 Reading Specialist Flyer.pdf

Audience: K-12 Science teachers

If you are a K-12 science teacher or a science administrator and would like your students to participate in the National competition Toshiba/ExploraVision deadline is fast approaching. It’s January 31, 2025. 

Everyone who enters has an opportunity to win: 

Students

• First Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $10,000* at maturity for each student
• Second Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $5,000* at maturity for each student
• National Finalists (8 teams): A trip to Washington, DC in June for ExploraVision Awards Week for each national winning student and one parent/legal guardian. Every winner receives a certificate.
• Regional Winners (24 teams): A Chromebook for each student and an awards ceremony for each regional winning team at its school where the team will receive a winner’s banner, certificate and other gifts
• Honorable Mention (~500 teams): A unique prize and certificate for each student
• All Participants: A certificate of participation and gift for every student whose team submits a complete project

*U.S. EE Savings Bonds issue price is half their face value. First- and second-place Canadian winners receive Canada Savings Bonds purchased for the equivalent issue price in Canadian dollars. Canada bonds face value may vary based on current exchange rate (for $5,000 U.S. and $2,500 U.S.) at time of purchase.

Coaches

• National Finalists: A trip to Washington, DC in June for ExploraVision Awards Week for the coach of each national winning team and a one-year NSTA membership to coaches of the national winning teams.
• Regional Winners: A Chromebook for the coach of each regional winning team.
• All Participants: A certificate of participation and a gift for each coach and mentor of every team that submits a complete project.

Schools

• Regional Winners: Schools receive a banner.
• National Winners: Schools receive a plaque.

Teachers

• As a special teacher prize, the top 32 teachers who submit over 32 eligible online entries will receive a technology/science-related gift.
• Any teacher who invites another K-12 educator to submit a project will receive a technology / science-related gift. (please visit the registration page for more information. Toshiba Exploravision Deadline.png)

Bring Free Girls Who Code Clubs to Your School or Organization!

Girls Who Code offers free Clubs for 3rd-12th graders, providing everything your staff needs to create and grow inclusive computer science learning spaces. When your team signs up to start a Club, they’ll receive comprehensive resources to help launch and lead the program successfully.

Clubs that enroll three or more members qualify for additional benefits, including access to a Clubs Fund of up to $300 for supplies and snacks via an Amazon Wish List.

Key Benefits of Girls Who Code Clubs:

Open to 3rd-12th graders (boys are welcome too!).
Safe, inclusive spaces that foster creativity and develop valuable coding skills.
There are no fees or hidden costs—just an opportunity to inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
Start a Club today and empower your learners to explore the exciting world of coding!

Apply Today!

See the Clubs Flyer for more information about our Clubs program for 3-12th graders. 
See the Summer Programs Flyer for more information about our summer program for 9-12th graders. Our Summer program application opened today. Any high school girl or nonbinary student can apply. If you have any students in our school district apply, they will get priority consideration since we will be partners.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Monica Smith at smithmc@scsk12.org

Application Link: https://clubs-hq.girlswhocode.com/login?showTab=signup&redirect=/gwc-club-application

Girls Who Code Flyer:

https://girlswhocode.com/assets/downloads/craft-prod/downloads/GWC-Clubs-Flyer.pdf

Summer Camp Flyer:

https://girlswhocode.com/assets/downloads/craft-prod/downloads/2025-SP_Flyer_vFinal-Domestic.pdf

Bring Free Girls Who Code Clubs to Your School or Organization!

Girls Who Code offers free Clubs for 3rd-12th graders, providing everything your staff needs to create and grow inclusive computer science learning spaces. When your team signs up to start a Club, they’ll receive comprehensive resources to help launch and lead the program successfully.

Clubs that enroll three or more members qualify for additional benefits, including access to a Clubs Fund of up to $300 for supplies and snacks via an Amazon Wish List.

Key Benefits of Girls Who Code Clubs:

Open to 3rd-12th graders (boys are welcome too!).
Safe, inclusive spaces that foster creativity and develop valuable coding skills.
There are no fees or hidden costs—just an opportunity to inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
Start a Club today and empower your learners to explore the exciting world of coding!

Apply Today!

See the Clubs Flyer for more information about our Clubs program for 3-12th graders. 
See the Summer Programs Flyer for more information about our summer program for 9-12th graders. Our Summer program application opened today. Any high school girl or nonbinary student can apply. If you have any students in our school district apply, they will get priority consideration since we will be partners.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Monica Smith at smithmc@scsk12.org

Application Link: https://clubs-hq.girlswhocode.com/login?showTab=signup&redirect=/gwc-club-application

Girls Who Code Flyer:

https://girlswhocode.com/assets/downloads/craft-prod/downloads/GWC-Clubs-Flyer.pdf

Summer Camp Flyer:

https://girlswhocode.com/assets/downloads/craft-prod/downloads/2025-SP_Flyer_vFinal-Domestic.pdf

Attention High School Leaders:

Enrollment for Project Graduation Spring 2025 is still open!  While the deadline has passed for schools to request PG Extended Day classes at their school sites, students can still be enrolled in our PG Super Sites via PowerSchool. PSCs should enroll students needing to repeat failed courses, new coursework, as well as college and career focus classes. Enrollment is open to students in all grade levels 9th - 12th grade.

Visit the Project Grad Loves PSCs 2024-25 SharePoint Folder to access helpful resources, such as the PG Spring 2025 Master Schedule, Concurrent Enrollment Step Sheet, PG Spring Calendar, and Spring 2025 Parent Letter. If you need immediate assistance, contact the Project Graduation office at 901.416.9041.

PG Super Sites

Craigmont HS 

Hamilton HS 

Overton HS 

Southwind HS

Important Deadlines:

·Part I: January 23, 2025

·Part II: March 27, 2025

SharePoint Folder Link:

Project Grad Loves PSC's 2024-25 - Home

As we approach the spring sports season, it is essential for schools to begin preparations now (if you have not already started) to ensure a smooth and successful start. Proactive planning during the winter months not only minimizes delays but also establishes a strong foundation for student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

3 Key Areas of Focus to get you started:

• Plan for Equipment, Uniforms, and Supplies: Place orders for equipment, uniforms, and supplies early to avoid unexpected delays to ensure everything is ready by the start of the season.
• Streamline Student Participation: Distribute required paperwork, including physical forms and eligibility documents, to interested students early to ensure students and parents are aware of deadlines for completing necessary requirements before the first practice or tryouts (which are considered practices under eligibility guidelines).
• Coach Readiness: Coaches should begin completing all required certifications, training, and background checks.

Furthermore, Coaches play a crucial role in the success of your athletic program. To ensure that your athletic programs are well supported and effective, it is important to review the following:

Key Coaching Considerations:

• Certified Teacher Advantage: Choosing a faculty certified teacher as a coach is often optimal because they already understand the school's educational environment and standards. They are more likely to emphasize academics, have strong relationships with students, and integrate coaching with the broader educational experience. 
• Coaching Stipends: Only MSCS employees (with active paylines) can be paid a stipend from District Funds.  If you choose to hire Non-Faculty Coaches to assist with your school programs, please contact the MSCS Office of Compliance to verify the proper procedure for utilizing your school's funds for payment.
• District Paid Coaching Stipend Positions: Make sure you are informed regarding the number of paid stipend positions per sport to avoid confusion. Please note Coaches of the following sports: baseball, girls’ softball and track and field should not be Head Coach or Assistant Coach of another sport in the same season. 

Spring Sports Middle School Stipend Positions

Spring Sports High School Stipend Positions 

By prioritizing these actions, schools can enhance the student-athlete experience and set the stage for a successful spring sports season. Preparation now ensures teams are ready to excel when the season begins.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletics Office. We are always here to support you and are dedicated to ensuring the success of our athletic programs. 

MSCS Power BI: Empowering Your Data Story is launching soon to highlight staff who go above and beyond to use Power BI. 

The Updated MSCS Compass Access App is now available to School Principals and Assistant Principals. Check out this flyer for more information.

i-Ready Universal Screener window is open. SD360 Student Assessment reports have been updated with new visuals and metrics. See the user guide for the related reports here.

The Bottom 25% filters in SD360 have been updated to reflect updated 23-24 Bottom 25% results. Check out this user guide for more information on using on-page filters.

The State Letter Grade filter has been updated with 23-24 scores. It’s located in the Filter Pane. Check out this user guide for more information on using the Filter Pane.

23-24 WIDA results are available in Student Assessments. Check on the user guide for more information.

School Performance Scorecard data for 23-24 is available in Student Snapshot (user guide) and Feeder Pattern (user guide).

ACT Accountability Composite Scores are available in Feeder Pattern.

RTI Progress Monitoring Compliance report has updated business rules. Check out the user guide.

Projected Chronic Absenteeism rates are now available in Student Attendance. Check out the user guide.

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Training and Support Resources:   

Check out our Training Calendar for all upcoming District Trainings.

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New to Power BI? Sign Up for a Power BI New User Training session. Look for Course Code 34810 in PLZ to sign up. Sessions are virtual on 1/16, 1/23, 2/13 at 9:30 AM
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Virtual Office Hours this week (1/14 and 1/16), is a review of the i-Ready Reports in Student Assessment.

Next week, we’re reviewing the RTI-A Screener Reports.

Virtual Office Hours sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 PM on Microsoft Teams.

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

Check your inbox! On the first Wednesday of every month, the DAIM team sends out a monthly newsletter to all Power BI users. In it, you will find more information on upcoming trainings, new releases, and how-to guides. 

To see this month’s edition (and all archived editions), visit our support page. 
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Check out our page of new/updated features and releases on our DAIM Support Page! 

You can reach out to us at DAIMSUPPORT@scsk12.org if you need support.   
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Power BI Access: 

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

The Secretary of State’s office is conducting their annual student Essay Contest! The goal is to encourage students in Kindergarten through 12th Grades to be actively engaged citizens by recognizing their important roles as citizens of the great state of Tennessee. The theme of this year’s essay contest is “Why Trusted Sources Matter.” Grade band winners (i.e., K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) will receive a TNStars 529 Program College Savings scholarship of $100, $250, or $500 in addition to a trip to the State Capitol. 

Note. Schools can choose up to two (2) essays from each grade band to submit for the contest. 

Essays must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

Visit the site linked below for more details.

https://sos.tn.gov/civics-essay-contest

The Secretary of State’s office is launching the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level and Silver Level awards for Tennessee high schools, which meet student voter registration thresholds.

Gold Level: 100% of eligible students, 18 and older by the next election, are registered to vote. The Secretary of State’s office will gift the school with a commemorative plaque and gift personalized certificates to Student Ambassadors.

Silver Level: 85% of eligible students, 18 and older by the next election, are registered to vote. The Secretary of State’s office will gift personalized certificates to the school and Student Ambassadors.

The award is named in honor of renowned Tennessee suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley. One of the central figures in the women’s suffrage movement, she worked tirelessly to secure the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Learn more about Anne Dallas Dudley and Women's Suffrage in Tennessee on the Tennessee Virtual Archive.

All Tennessee public and private schools as well as home school associations are encouraged to participate in the Anne Dallas Dudley Award program.

Tennessee law allows students who are either 18 years of age, or 17 years of age and will be 18 by the date of the next election to register to vote.

Completed applications will be accepted until March 7, 2025.

Link to More Information: https://sos.tn.gov/anne-dallas-dudley-award

We are excited to participate in this year's Do the Write Thing (DtWT) writing program. DtWT is a writing competition where middle school students share how violence has impacted them and propose solutions. We are excited about this year's challenge and look forward to the submission of essays, poems, songs, plays and more! 

Our students will have the opportunity to submit to the local competition and the winning essay will advance to the and national competition in Washington, D.C. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students' talent and there is no cap on the number of submissions per school. Please share this information with your school teams to encourage participation. 

Local Entry Deadline: Friday, February 28)

We will host an optional DtWT Virtual Workshop for teachers on Friday, January 31 from 3:30p.m.-4:30p.m.

PLZ Course #: 47575  Section #: 85968

Course Title: Do the Write Thing Virtual Workshop

Please see the email sent to middle school principals for more details. Please contact Dr. Erin Y. Luster with questions.