To ensure a consistent approach to the kindergarten staggered entry week (August 4th - August 8th), we have developed district-wide guidance. The Kindergarten Staggered Entry Guide includes:

- Parent-Facing Staggered Entry Guidance

- School-Facing Staggered Entry Guidance

- Staggered Entry Universal Screening Guidance and Supports

Kindergarten Kickoff Staggered Entry Guidance Packet: https://bit.ly/4eRE4lQ

If you have any questions about kindergarten staggered entry, please feel free to reach out to OfficeofLiteracy@scsk12.org or call 901-416-4552.

As we finalize plans to kick off the 2025-2026 school year, please complete the form linked below to provide information regarding planning for MAPS/Support classes such as art, music, and PE.  Please reach out to Mrs. Sonya Porter or Dr. Amy Maples with any questions.

https://forms.office.com/r/7UXvuhZGzF

Attention Elementary Teachers!

The 2025 re-launch of ParentPowered (formerly Ready4K) will take place in late August.  ParentPowered is a research-based text-messaging program that provides simple, engaging tips for families to help their students continue learning at home.  Some key features about ParentPowered.

• ParentPowered will deliver three text messages to parents/caregivers weekly.  The fun facts and activities focus on ways that parents can help their child learn and grow.
• The messages are specifically designed to match each child’s age, even if the parent has more than one child.
• ParentPowered tips focus on academic topics as well as daily routines, like getting ready for school, preparing a meal and more.

Click below to access frequently asked questions regarding ParentPowered.

ParentPowered FAQ 

Here is the FAQ long link in case it is needed.

https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/harrisonjr_scsk12_org/Eab0Qdxrye9AjUcNO-AxjqABhCOorznuYpr2VCQQP06ggA?e=MkaBQP

Thank you in advance for your support.

This is the 7/28/25 MTSS Lead Weekly Update.  It was sent to MTSS Leads for this year as listed in the Principal Leadership Launchpad under your school contacts, along with those who were identified last year.  Your updates for all contacts are critical for supporting central office teams in properly communicating with school staff throughout the 25-26 school year. Instructions are available here: School Based Contacts

Link to the Leadership Launchpad: https://org08b2405b.crm.dynamics.com/main.aspx?appid=af0c034f-d3af-ee11-a569-00224805ce7e&pagetype=entitylist&etn=account&viewid=cf497b75-d5af-ee11-a569-00224805c274&viewType=1039

 Thank you for your support!

August 11-29, 2025

Kindergarten is the only grade that can complete Literacy Tasks and Written Expression during Staggered Entry beginning August 4, 2025 which will allow very needed 1:1 opportunities to properly assess students.​

Students in K-6 will complete the following:​

• iReady Reading Diagnostic​
• iReady Math Diagnostic​
• Grade appropriate Fall Literacy Tasks (refer to Minimum Matrix iReady Suite (K-3 or 4-8)​
• Fall Written Expression​

​All students in K-8 should complete the iReady Reading and Math Diagnostic to capture baseline data and create personalized instruction pathways.​

​Questions can be emailed to RTI2@scsk12.org.

- RETURNING NIE Evaluators that were previously NIE Certified during SY24-25, NIE Recertification is NOT REQUIRED

for SY2025-2026.

- NEW NIE Evaluators  

For SY2025-26, there are 2 options offered in attaining NIE Evaluator Certification.  

Self-Paced (Canvas)

Live/Virtual Session

Course numbers and date information can be found HERE.  

Questions/Concerns? Send an email to eps@scsk12.org.  

TEAM Student Growth scores have been released. Portfolio educators may check TN Portfolio for scores. 

Please contact the District Portfolio Lead, Ayodele Hall via email (hallam@scsk12.org) for any questions or to report any issues.

According to Tennessee State Board of Education Policy5.201, all educators must be evaluated annually by a certified evaluator.  

For SY2025-26, there are three options offered in attaining TEM Certification:  

- Returning Observers   

• Self-Paced (Canvas) - Manual Registration ONLY

- New Observers 

• Canvas Self-Paced
• 2-Day Live Virtual Session

Course numbers and date information can be found HERE.  

 *Note: ALL Returning Observer participants must complete their TEM coursework and calibration by September 30th.  

According to state board rule 0520-02-01 and state board policy 5.201, all educators must be evaluated annually by a certified evaluator.

All evaluator certification training for 2025-26 is virtual.

• The window for Recertification is from June 2, 2025 to September 3, 2025, 5:00pm CT.
• The window for Initial certification is from June 2, 2025 to March 31, 2026, 5:00pm CT.
•  

All certification courses will be accessed in the TeachALL platform.

​Registration is not required. Invitations to access the learning module and to take the recertification test were emailed directly to currently certified evaluators.

If you were a certified TEAM evaluator in 2024-25 and did not receive an invitation and process details, please be sure to check spam/junk folders. As invitations were sent in bulk, a firewall may have blocked receipt.

Contact TEAM.Questions@tn.gov if you are unable to find your recertification invitation.

​**All TEAM Evaluator completion certificates should be forwarded to the Evaluation and Satisfaction Department via email: EPS@scsk12.org.

For more information about TEAM training and certification, please visit the TEAM website.

Contact the State at team.questions@tn.gov should you have any questions or concerns regarding TEAM certification for 2025-2026.

Principals: Please select and submit your New Teacher Mentors by August 21st, 2025

What is a New Teacher Mentor (NTM)?

• A New Teacher Mentor is an experienced educator who provides coaching, support, and guidance to newly hired teachers in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS).
• Mentors are vital to improving instructional practices and supporting teacher retention.

What do New Teacher Mentors do?

• Offer professional support and real-time coaching to new teachers
• Help new teachers build confidence, navigate classroom challenges, and implement effective teaching strategies
• Foster connections through New Teacher networking events
• Contribute to increased teacher satisfaction and retention across the district

Who is eligible to be a mentor?
 To be considered for the stipend, a teacher must:

• Have 5 or more years of teaching experience
• Have 3 consecutive years of satisfactory composite TEM observation scores of 4 or 5

Eligible positions only include:

• Classroom Teachers
• Instructional Facilitators/PLC Coaches
• Assistant Principals

Note: Only individuals in the above roles will be approved for the stipend.

What is the stipend amount?

• $1,000 per semester, for a total of $2,000 per year, for approved mentors who meet all program expectations
• Stipends are paid out twice—at the end of each semester

What are the required responsibilities to receive the stipend?
 Mentors must:

• Submit a Mentor Commitment/Agreement Form
• Complete and submit Monthly Collaborative Assessment Logs (1 per month)
• Complete two informal observations of their mentee per semester
• Attend all required meetings and events, including:
  • Monthly Mentor Meetings (virtual and/or in-person)
  • New Teacher Networking Events

 Principals: Please select and submit your New Teacher Mentors by August 21st, 2025

Please use this link to access all documents: New Teacher Mentor 25 26
 For questions, reach out to Sandy McGee at ahmedys1@scsk12.org

Principals: Please select your Instructional Leadership Team Members and submit the 2025-2026 Instructional Leadership Team Content Lead Stipend Guideline Agreement by August 21, 2025

What is an Instructional Leadership Team Member? (ILT)

• Collaborate with the administrative content leads at their school and instructional coaches to help advance the academic achievement at their school.
• ILT members design, facilitate, and assist with professional learning opportunities for teachers at the school and District level.

What do Instructional Leadership Team Member Mentors do? 

• Provide support to teachers by mentoring and modeling high impact strategies.
• Attend instructional leadership team meetings and after-school District professional learning and support sessions.
• Complete 22 hours of ILT work at the school level to improve academic outcomes.
• Analyze, disaggregate, and communicate school-level content data.

Who is eligible to serve as an ILT Member? 
To be considered for the stipend, a teacher must: 

• Have 3 or more years of teaching experience
• Teacher that is appointed by the school
• Commit to attend monthly District support sessions

Eligible positions only include: 

• Classroom Teachers

Note: Only individuals in the above roles will be approved for the stipend. 

What is the stipend amount? 

• $500 per semester, for a total of $1,000 per year, for approved ILT Members who fulfill all requirements of the Instructional Leadership Content Lead Stipend Guideline Agreement.
• Stipends are paid out twice—at the conclusion of each semester.

What are the required responsibilities to receive the stipend? 
Mentors must: 

• Submit an Instructional Leadership Team Content Lead Stipend Guideline Agreement
• Complete and submit Semester Teacher Content Logs (1 per month)
• Submit (1) ILT High Impact Coaching Video each semester
• Attend all required meetings and professional learning events, including:
  • District Monthly ILT Support Sessions
  • School-based ILT Meetings

Reminder to submit your ILT Members Instructional Leadership Team Content Lead Stipend Guideline Agreement by August 21, 2025

Below is a link to the Principal ILT Resource Folder

Instructional Leadership Team 25 26

For questions, reach out to SCSILTStipends@scsk12.org

As we prepare for another successful school year at MSCS, I would like to share a few important reminders from the Special Populations team. Our mission is to support the district in removing barriers for students who are experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or from migratory backgrounds. In accordance with federal guidelines, these students must be enrolled immediately and provided with the necessary support to access a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Homeless Students 

To ensure timely support, all McKinney-Vento referral forms have been uploaded to SharePoint. In order for services to be initiated, a completed referral must be submitted to our office. Once received, a team member will contact the parent or caretaker within 48–72 hours. Please use the SharePoint link below to access the referral forms.

MSCS Displaced Referral Forms.pdf

Backpacks and school supplies were purchased last school year for each student identified as homeless and delivered to schools. Please ensure these materials are distributed accordingly.

Additionally, to comply with McKinney-Vento awareness requirements, each school must have one English and one Spanish McKinney-Vento poster displayed at all times. If you need additional posters, please email Vequitia Barnes at barnesvl@scsk12.org.

Also, the dispute resolution form is available on SharePoint, https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/sites/SpecialPopulations-Displaced.

Foster Care Students

Students in foster care must be enrolled immediately, even if they do not have the required documents at the time of enrollment. The DCS case manager or designee should provide a School Enrollment Form and an Education Passport. If these forms are not available, please have the case manager complete a records release form so the necessary documents can be obtained from the previous school of attendance.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Karen Ball-Johnson <BALLKF@scsk12.org>.

STUDENT CONGRESS: 

Please be sure to review Student Congress (​Policy 6061).​ 

August 2025: Principal and staff student recommendations​ Each HS must have a minimum of 2 representatives (9th – 12th)​ Each MS must have a minimum of one 8th grade representative​ Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025​ ​ 

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish the district-wide Student Congress as a mechanism for increasing students’ voices in the District; enhance the educational experience of students; and allow the Board to gain greater insight into educational needs from the student’s point of view.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Please be sure to review Student Clubs and Organizations (Policy 6064).​

Each school shall distribute a list of available clubs and organizations inthe student handbook or equivalent. 

The list shall include: ​ 

• The names of the clubs and organizations, including any abbreviations or acronyms; ​
• The mission and purpose of the clubs and organizations; ​
• All financial requirements associated with membership in the club or organization; and ​
• The procedures for providing informed written consent by parents and/or legal guardians for minor students to join or participate inthose organizations.​

​Please be sure to review Student Government (Policy 6065).

This policy applies to middle and high schools. ​

Each school shall establish an elected student council. The council shall be governed by its own constitution which shall be approved by the school principal. Defining the council’s jurisdiction shall be a joint and cooperative effort of the council, students, and the student government constitution.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Billy J. Walker, II <Walkerbj@scsk12.org>.

We will continue to provide intervention and support for students who are overage for grade. Please review the Assessment for Over-Age for Grade Guidelines. School Counselors have received this information and are aware of the process for this school year. For more information, contact Counseling Services and Registration/Enrollment.

The assessment window will be August 4 – September 5. School Counselors have received this information and are aware of the process for this school year. For more information, contact School Counseling Services and Registration & Enrollment.

• Rhonda Hill, hillre@scsk12.org
• Sherenda Moss, mosssi@scsk12.org
• Constance Certion, certioncb@sck12.org 
• Stacey Davis, daviss2@scsk12.org 
• Kemmashela Conner,