To support schools and teachers around addressing and or reteaching standards that need additional support based on recent iReady, network CFA, and or short cycle assessment data, an ELA Standards Toolkit has been curated.  This toolkit provides schools with ease of access to a variety of standards resources. These resources include support for deepening teachers’ understanding of the expectations of the standards, support for identifying where the standards live in the ELA curriculum and provide standards specific assessment and reteach practice items.  Click here to access the toolkit..

https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/2024-25CurriculumResources/EpFH_Wt2sztIi0wDq6nPnx4BO0MToJageSsvN20C5xBJPA?e=uagiHf

Evaluation tracks have been updated and are visible in PLZ.  Tracks were updated according to SY23-24 LOE (Level of Overall Effectiveness) scores from TN Compass.

• Proficient Track:  LOE of 3, 4, or 5
• Focus Track:  LOE of 1 or 2
• Novice Track:  no prior year LOE

Questions about evaluation tracks should be sent to EPS@scsk12.org

The NIE Mid-Year Conference container is open in PLZ! The deadline to complete ALL NIE Mid-Year Conferences in PLZ is February 7th. 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• ALL required fields should be completed in its entirety before finalizing.   
• The Goal Setting Conference should be completed within 30 days of an NIE employee’s hire/contract start date AND should be completed BEFORE completing the Mid-Year Conference in PLZ.
• The Mid-Year Conference is NOT required for NIE Partial plans and will not appear as a container to complete. 
• Need a refresher? The following resources are also found in PLZ under the Resources tab.  
• NIE Mid-Year Conference Tutorial 
• NIE Evaluator Step Guide 
• NIE Employee Step Guide

Questions? Please reach out to eps@scsk12.org.

The Spring Student Perception Survey is vastly approaching. The survey window will run from February 24 -March 7.

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 Dates: All Site Coordinators should register for one of the virtual sessions in PLZ using course #36827.

The next training dates are January 31, February 4, and February 6. 

Questions? Contact the Evaluation and Satisfaction office by phone,  at 901.416.2475 or via email at eps@scsk12.org. 

The TEM TEACHer Training Series is open for ALL teachers. This series supports educators with identifying teacher and student actions that guide effective instruction at performance levels 3-5 of the TEACH indicators. 

Register in PLZ, course #37107.

• Pre-K, Physical Education (Elementary), World Language (6-12 Spanish and French), Fine Arts (KK-12) educators are required to submit TEAM Student Growth Portfolios for SY24-25.
• A State Single Sign-On is required to access TN Portfolio.  Educators may reach out to their Content Advisor or Ayodele Hall to receive their SSO.
• Educators hired on or after November 4 are considered PYE and are not required to complete TEAM Student Growth Portfolios for SY24-25.
• The application for Peer Reviewers will open February 2025.  Information will be shared through District Weekly. Portfolios should be completed and finalized by 5pm, May 5, 2025. 
• Last call for TN Portfolio accounts.  Click here to request an account.

Please review this week's MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

The Winter Universal Screener Closes January 31, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.  All components of the Winter Universal Screener must be completed by this time to remain in compliance with state guidelines.  This includes manual score entry.  Please contact Emily Vuoso, vuosoeb@scsk12.org if there are any questions. 

Principals, please check in with your MTSS Leads to see how your school is progressing towards completion.

Attention Elementary Leaders, 1st -3rd Grade Teachers, and Librarians!!!

MSCS is very excited to announce our continued partnership with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) K-3 Home Library Program.  This is a FREE book delivery program for students and schools! Please note that over the summer, grade specific mini libraries along with correlating activity cards will be shipped to our current K-2 students' homes.  Elementary schools will receive copies of the high-quality texts in the month of May to distribute to next year's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade teachers.  Additionally, school librarians should receive copies of all grade level books. Please note that parents, teachers, librarians and schools do not have to do anything to be included in this initiative.  However, communications regarding opting out are forthcoming for parents who wish to opt out and not receive the mini libraries this summer. To learn more about the K-3 Home Library Program, check out the one-pager linked here that includes a list of the titles that will be delivered for each grade level.

https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/MSCSOfficeofLiteracy/Ef9z9bgdzJxMuMxmsZ0mtesBaD8FAALTHBpWNA61PacwYw?e=dpZreo

Questions? Email OfficeofLiteracy@scsk12.org

Greetings, Leaders!

The Specialized Education Assistants began their Professional Learning Series last week and will be progressing to Session 2 this week. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory, as outlined in the SEA Training Packet. It is essential that all SEAs participate in their scheduled sessions. For more details, please refer to the SEA Training Packet: bit.ly/3WfnAvA. We sincerely appreciate your support in our efforts to empower SEAs, enabling them to provide enhanced support to our schools. Thank you for your collaboration!

Dear Counselors,

Please see the bus schedule for the Adulting 101 event below and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Permission slips should be sent home and collected from students this week and early next week. Be sure to enter this field trip in PLZ for approval if you have not already done so. A few requests and reminders as we prepare for the event…

1. Check the schedule below to ensure that I have not unintentionally included or omitted your school.
2. If the number of students that you are expecting to bring has changed, please let me know as soon as possible. I would like to resolve all necessary changes prior to the day of the event.
3. Grilled hot dogs and burgers, chips, and a drink will be provided to students and chaperones. A vegetarian option will be provided for students with dietary restrictions. Students may also have the option to eat lunch at school or pack a lunch if they don’t wish to have any of these options.

Additionally, I am providing a list of sample questions that can be shared with students. We will provide a hard copy of the questions to students on the day of the event. In closing, I’m very excited about this opportunity and look forward to seeing you and your students next week!

Adulting 101: Navigating Your Financial Future

Location: Agricenter

Date: Wednesday, February 5

Times: Variable (see link below)

2025 Adulting 101 Bus Schedule

Are you a passionate and forward-thinking leader ready to make a difference in education? 

We’re currently seeking Principals and Assistant Principals for the 2025-2026 school year!

At Memphis-Shelby County Schools, we’re looking for exceptional leaders who are committed to empowering students, inspiring educators, and fostering vibrant school communities.

Apply now to be part of a team dedicated to excellence and innovation in education. Visit the MSCS Careers Page to apply for the Principal/Assistant Principal (POOL Posting).

Don’t miss the opportunity to lead and leave a lasting impact!

Spring professional learning course offerings are now available here.

National School Counseling Week is February 3-7. We are excited to recognize the unwavering commitment and impact of School Counselors in the District Please use this week to show appreciation by sending a Thank You note, a gift, or providing lunch to your School Counselor. 

The Theme is: School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive

All staff

Check out the 2nd Edition of the January Teaching & Learning Advisory.  This edition highlights beneficial reteaching resources and professional learning opportunities.  Please ensure your teachers are aware of these upcoming opportunities.

https://secure.smore.com/n/nzb6vx

February 2025 District Learning Day follows a school-based format, featuring sessions encompassing a whole group address, school-based professional learning, instructional planning, and deliberate practice. Teachers whose departments elect to meet with them may attend their professional learning sessions in lieu of school-based learning. ​

• Teachers will earn 6 hours of PDP credit for their participation.​
• Teachers will meet with their departments either virtually or off-site. Detailed session formats will be provided in the February 2025 District Learning Day Guidebook, which will be included in the February 7th edition of Leader Board.​
• Principals are required to submit their agendas using the designated Microsoft Form by the close of business on February 14, 2025.

Principals - Upload Your DLD Professional Learning Agendas by 02/14/2025: Principals, don’t forget to submit your DLD School-Based Professional Learning agendas by 02/14/2025 using the designated Microsoft Form.

For questions, contact performanceleadershipdevelopment@scsk12.org. 

This year, MSCS aims to acknowledge one outstanding teacher at each school who exemplifies exceptional instructional expertise and professionalism. Below, you will find the criteria for Teacher of the Year Nomination:​

• Able to articulate a sense of pride and dedication to MSCS's mission and vision.​
• Be a facilitator of learning, skilled in implementing research-based and creative teaching strategies.​
• Be a full-time, certified, in good standing, PreK-12 teacher, who spends the majority of the school day in direct instruction to students.​
• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to professional learning and establish community partnerships which benefit students.​
• Be able to explain, discuss, and defend a personal philosophy of teaching in a 500-word essay.​
• Be an advocate for public education.​
• Be exceptionally dedicated to the teaching profession​
• Be poised, articulate, enthusiastic, and energetic.​
• Be recognized as leaders in the community as well as in the school.​
• Have a broad understanding and current trends and issues in education.​
• Have a minimum of three years of teaching experience in TN, with a positive track record.​
• Have a superior ability to instill in students a love of learning.​
• Have a TEM Level 4 or 5, with a 90% attendance rate.​
• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues​
• Have the respect of students, parents, and colleagues.​
• Show active involvement and leadership in professional development and extra-curricular

​We kindly request that you follow the four steps outlined below by Wednesday, February 5, 2025.​

• Step 1: Identify teachers within your school who meet the Teacher of the Year criteria.​
• Step 2: Outline a documented process that allows your staff to vote on the nominees. You can choose to do it electronically or in person.​
• Step 3: Click here to complete the form. ​
• Step 4: Submit one teacher's name to the form by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

We are inviting all Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) Content Leads to join us for our upcoming support sessions:​

Utilizing ILT Meetings to Differentiate Educator Supports​

Date: February 6, 2025​

​

3:15pm-4:15pm (suggested audience High Schools, CCTE)​

(Auditorium)​

​

3:15pm-4:15pm (suggested audience Middle Schools)​

(Multipurpose)​

​

4:30pm-5:30pm (suggested audience Elementary Schools, K-8 Schools)​

(Auditorium)​

​

Save the Dates for Future ILT Support Sessions (In-person meetings)​

March 6, 2025​

April 3, 2025​

May 1, 2025​

Documentation Deadlines: ILT Documentation Due May 2, 2025​

​

For more information contact: Ron Clark at clarkr@scsk12.org​

Save the Date​: February 2025 Leadership Development Week

• Monday, February 24, 2025: PLC Coaches &​ Instructional Facilitators
• Tuesday, February 25, 2025: Principals & Vice-Principals
• Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Assistant Principals & Deans of Students
• Thursday, February 27, 2025: Professional School Counselors
• Friday, February 28, 2025: Central Office Staff

For more information, contact performanceleadershipdevelopment@scsk12.org

Please find the January 27 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

Schools will provide Home Literacy Reports, following administration of the universal reading screener, to K-3 students scoring below the 15th percentile and are recommended for 16th-40th percentile.  These reports provide reading proficiency guidance, reading activities to use at home, and information on specific reading interventions and supports being provided as outlined in TCA 49-1-905(d).   Please be sure that the iReady Diagnostic Reports are sent home to parents along with this letter to inform parents of their student's scores.

Are you a passionate and forward-thinking leader ready to make a difference in education? We’re currently seeking Principals and Assistant Principals for the 2025-2026 school year!

At Memphis-Shelby County Schools, we’re looking for exceptional leaders who are committed to empowering students, inspiring educators, and fostering vibrant school communities.

Apply now to be part of a team dedicated to excellence and innovation in education. Visit the MSCS Careers Page to apply for the Principal/Assistant Principal (POOL Posting).

Don’t miss the opportunity to lead and leave a lasting impact!

ILT Content Leaders Information & Updates

Superintendent Newsletter Leader Board ILT Updates 1.24.25.docx

Have you hired new teachers this semester? Are you still in need of support for your first-year teachers? This message is for you! Use the link here to share with teachers who are interested in serving second semester as a New Teacher Mentor. After the submission, applicants will be vetted and contacted directly to begin mentorship: New Teacher Mentor Application

Deadline for second semester submissions: January 31, 2025.

Please reach out to performanceandleadership@scsk12.org or Dr. Latisha Kimbrough at brownlc@scsk12.org with any mentorship questions.

January Leadership Development Week: Join us for a week of growth, collaboration, and awareness as we come together to support professional growth.

• Monday, January 27th - PLC Coaches & Instructional Facilitators
• Tuesday, January 28th - Principals & Vice Principals
• Wednesday, January 29th - Assistant Principals & Deans of Students
• Thursday, January 30th - Professional School Counselors
• Friday, January 31st - Central Office Staff

Agendas can be accessed by clicking here. 

Pre-work can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information, contact Performance & Leadership Development, performanceandleadership@scsk12.org.

Spring professional learning course offerings are now available here. 

SAVE THE DATE! February District Learning Day is February 17, 2025. Stay tuned for additional information.

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.

Visit the site linked below for more details. Essays must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

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

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 Information (Deadline: 2/28)

Completed packets may be sent to Coe Building Room 164 via MSCS Board Mail. Please be sure to include a summary page with the packet noting the contact person for your school and the number of submissions (see attached sample). Each submission should contain its own cover sheet with the parent/guardian's signature. 

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

Link to Educator Toolkit: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f445fd275ef214ec0957907/t/66df24f8f65e4f679f4d8df6/1725900029299/DtWT+Educator+Packet+2024-25+%283%29.pdf

Link to DtWT Sample Lesson Plans: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f445fd275ef214ec0957907/t/66857c4c63a7443a678e4083/1720024140799/DtWT+Educator+Resources+for+website.pdf