As a follow-up to the Onyx content presented during LDW, please submit the names of two mathematics teachers identified to participate via the following form:  https://forms.office.com/r/4v4cuuqq7h.  CLICK HERE to access the content presented at LDW.  Information regarding virtual training for these teachers is forthcoming.  Feel free to reach out to Dr. Amy Maples (maplesa@scsk12.org) or Antronette Brown, Math Manager (brownac@scsk12.org).  

We are excited to share an update on the 2025 Science Curriculum adoption.

• Elementary: Student editions have been delivered to all elementary schools.
• Middle & High School: Distribution of student editions has begun and will continue in phases.
• Teacher Resources: Teacher resource materials will follow.

Please note: each school should already have an appointed textbook coordinator. As deliveries continue, all non-consumable materials will be inventoried in the new textbook automation system.

All K–12 core content classes should already have access to their digital science materials while schools await the arrival of physical copies. Further updates will be shared as the rollout progresses.

For questions please contact Dr. Rahmod Traylor, traylorr@scsk12.org  Tiara Oliver OLIVERT4@scsk12.org Dr. Amy Maples MAPLESA@scsk12.org  directly

All Health, Physical Education, and Lifetime Wellness (HPELW) teachers are required to complete training for the new Firearm Safety Curriculum.

• PLZ Course #: 48845
• Date/Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025, | 5-6 P.M. (Virtual)

This training is mandatory to meet state and district compliance requirements. Participants will receive an overview of the curriculum and guidance for teaching age-appropriate lessons across grades K–12.

Important: Teachers who do not attend will not be permitted to teach the firearm safety curriculum. Schools with non-participating teachers will be out of compliance with state and district policy.

For questions, contact:

• Jim Harbin – Harbinj1@scsk12.org
• Jeremiah Bland – Blandj@scsk12.org
• Dr. Rahmod Traylor – Traylorr@scsk12.org
• Dr. Amy Maples – Maplesa@scsk12.org

Please find the MTSS Lead Weekly Updates for the Week of September 1.

This 6-week program encourages K-8 students to read 20 minutes at home or in the classroom. The program will begin on September 15 and end on October 27. If you are interested in having your students participate, register your classroom by filling out the form below. The deadline has been extended until Friday, September 5. After registration closes, you will receive an email with more information about the program. https://memphisbasketball.formstack.com/forms/2025_hustle_reading_cubs_registration

Additionally, CLICK HERE to access an informational flyer regarding attendance to the Memphis Hustle game.

For more information, reach out to Maya Todd with Memphis Hustle. 

MTodd@Grizzlies.com 

Tel: 901.205.1234

In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 10 and MSCS Policy 5005 on Advanced Courses, all middle and high schools are required to identify eligible students and ensure their automatic enrollment into the appropriate English Language Arts, mathematics, and/or science honors courses.

Counselors will receive a list of students who must be automatically enrolled into honors courses. Each school will be asked to provide an update on its progress in placing eligible students into honors courses for the 2025–2026 school year.

Additionally, the State of Tennessee requires annual compliance reporting for all eligible students. As part of this process, schools must provide documentation for any eligible students who were not placed into honors courses during the current school year.

All required information must be submitted no later than September 15, 2025.

All Dual Enrollment applications and registration documents must be completed and submitted no later than August 29, 2025.

For questions or additional assistance, please contact Anna Robison, Senior Dual Enrollment Advisor.

Per Tennessee Department of Education Rule 0520-01-19 and Program Policy 3.207, all newly enrolled students with a Home Language Survey (HLS) indicating a non-English language background must be screened for ESL services within the first 30 days of school. This year, the initial screening deadline is September 4. After the start of the school year, newly enrolled NELB students must be screened with 14 days of enrollment. Please contact your ESL advisor if you need support with this process. 

All Parent Notification Letters (PNL) must be sent home and returned by September 9. 

We are proud to celebrate students who exited ESL services in the 2024–2025 school year. 

Please join us for the Exit Ceremony on Thursday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Greater Imani Church, 3824 Austin Peay Hwy., Memphis, TN 38128. 

Invitations should arrive at the school within the next two weeks. Please ensure that the parents of the recipients receive their invitation.  

Let’s honor our students' hard work and achievements together! 

In-Person PDs are offered at the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) unless otherwise indicated - 3030 Jackson Ave, Memphis, TN 38122 

September 2 - ESL 101 Work Session for New/Novice ESL Teachers, "ELLevation Overview," 4-5:30 PM 

September 3 - ILP Monitoring window opens in ELLevation 

September 4 - Screening deadline for newly-enrolled NELB students who enrolled on the first day of school. 

September 4 - ELPA21 Standards Training for ESL and Content Area Teachers, Virtual on Teams, 3:30-4:30 PM 

September 9 - Deadline for sending home Initial, Continuing, and Transitional Year 1 Parent Notification Letters 

September 9 - Deadline for creation of ILPs for all EL, Waived, and Transitional Year 1 and Year 2 Students 

September 10 - September ESL Monthly Meeting for all ESL Teachers, Virtual on Teams, 8:15 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM 

September 11 - Learning A to Z: Raz Plus Orientation, Virtual on Teams, 4-5 PM

September 16 - ESL 101 Collaborative Session for New/Novice ESL Teachers, "Planning for Language Rich Lessons," 4-5:30 PM 

September 17 - ILP Monitoring window closes in ELLevation 

September 30 - ESL 101 Work Session for New/Novice ESL Teachers, "Collaborative Planning," 4-5:30 PM 

Registration for the TEM TEACHer Training Series is now open in PLZ.  Teachers may register using course #48814. 

This series is targeted for new teachers or educators needing a refresher on the TEACH Indicators. It is intended to support teachers with identifying teacher and student actions that guide effective instruction at performance levels 3–5 of the TEACH indicators.

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

Reminder: All Returning Observer participants must complete their TEM coursework and calibration by September 30.

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

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 p.m. CT.
• The window for Initial certification is from June 2, 2025 to March 31, 2026, 5 p.m. 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.

A link to the state-required training program for school administrators under PC244 to conduct student searches (for cause) is below. 

The training course is now live on TeachAll and the enrollment link is here: https://teachall.tnedu.gov/learning-path/student-searches-and-4th-amendment.  The TeachAll Course Access FAQ supports anyone taking the course.
 

If additional assistance is needed, please feel free to contact Antoine Sherman.

All NIE plans have populated.  Visibility in the evaluator's staff evaluation tab requires the employee to select his/her evaluator.

All TEAM evaluation plans have populated.  Visibility in the evaluator's staff evaluation tab requires the employee to select his/her evaluator.

TEM Classroom/Non-Classroom plans are populating daily.  All TEM Classroom/Non-Classroom plans are expected to be uploaded by September 15.   

Initial Evaluation Tracks

At the beginning of the school year, all educators will be placed on one of two evaluation tracks:

Novice:  No prior year LOE.  Any educator who has no prior year LOE will be assigned to the novice evaluation track, as well as non-PYE (Partial Year Exempt) educators who have missing or incomplete TEM components (e.g., observations, professionalism, or student growth data)

Proficient:  All educators who are expected to generate a LOE will be placed on the Proficient track.

Instructions for New MSCS Educators Expected to Receive SY24-25 LOE Scores

Educators who joined MSCS from another District in Tennessee and are expected to generate a LOE score should notify Employee Performance and Support via email when their SY24-25 LOE score is received.  Evaluation tracks for these employees will be processed upon verification of scores in TN Compass.   

Future Track Adjustments

All other SY25-26 evaluation tracks will automatically be adjusted in mid-January to accurately reflect SY24-25 Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) scores.  The updated evaluation track changes will be visible in PLZ and on the Evaluation KPI Dashboard.  A notification will also be placed in Leader Board.  

Questions:  Email Employee Performance & Support-eps@scsk12.org

The Fall Student Perception Survey will be administered October 27 -November 7. School Administrators should complete this form to indicate the site coordinator for their school by September 15, 2025.

In the absence of a designated Site Coordinator, the Principal will serve in that capacity.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Employee Performance and support-

Phone: 901.416.2475 | Email,  eps@scsk12.org.

Fall Professional Learning Course Offerings are now available. Fall 2025 Professional Learning Catalog.pdf

Thank you for your active engagement during August Leadership Development Week. Your contributions helped make it a meaningful and impactful experience.

As a follow-up, please find the shared resource folder linked below for your continued reference and support: August LDW Resources

If you would like to access previous LDW resources, please use this link: 2025-2026 LDW Resources

Contact Us: performanceandleadership@scsk12.org

2025-2026 PL Hours Flyer.pdf - During the 2025-2026 school year, teachers will engage in professional learning (PL) hours based on their level of effectiveness. These hours seek to ensure the implementation of district initiatives, and are comprised of required Stockpiled PD (Flex Days), Inservice Days, School-based, choice, and summer professional learning opportunities. 

The Office of Performance and Leadership Development is happy to announce the start of our teacher professional learning sessions on Wednesday, September 10th and Wednesday, September 17th. See the flyer for details. 8.29.2025 September PL Flyer.png

Featured Reports:

• The Greatness Starts with Showing Up (formally known as C.O.M.E. to Win) report has been updated in Student Attendance with the new attendance categories (Gold, Silver, and Bronze). Historical data from last year is available. New data will populate after each 20-day period ends. Data for the first 20-day period will be available on September 1. See the user guide for more information.
   
• TCAP data is now available in the Student Assessment: TCAP Report, Student Assessment: District Quick Report – Summative, Student Snapshot, School Snapshot, and Feeder Pattern dashboards. For the user guides, see: TCAP Report, DQR – Summative, Student Snapshot, School Snapshot, and Feeder Pattern.
   
• i-Ready data can be found in the Student Assessment: i-Ready Report and in the RTI-A Universal Screener Reports. For more info on the Student Assessment report, click here. For more on the RTI-A reports, click here.

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Upcoming Training Sessions:

Check out our Training Calendar for all upcoming District Trainings.
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Sign up for Virtual Office Hours!

The week’s sessions (September 2 and September 4) will be an overview of the Student Attendance: Greatness Grows with Showing Up Report.

For more information on Virtual Office Hours, check out this flyer! Sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 PM on Microsoft Teams. 

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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. 

Refresher Sessions are available for anyone who attended the New User Training previously and wants more advanced skills. Look for Course Code 34812 in PLZ to sign up.

Sessions are now available to sign up in PLZ!
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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.   

Performance Matters formative assessment accounts have been created for principals, building testing coordinators, and teachers.

For logging in, Performance Matters uses a Single Sign-On system configured through Microsoft. When users click the link while already signed into their Microsoft account, they are directed into the site without being prompted for a separate username or password. 

Here are the links for the staff and student logins:

Staff Login: https://unify.performancematters.com/?idp=tnShelbycbe_azure

Student Login: https://ola.performancematters.com/ola/ola.html?clientCode=tnShelbycbe

Staff and students should also be able to log in through Clever. In Clever, the Performance Matters icon should be under “Testing Prep”.

As a reminder, in-person professional development sessions for Performance Matters are next week, September 2-5. Space is limited, so only two people per school, the building testing coordinator and another person, should sign up for a session. Search for code 48686 in PLZ.

TVAAS results from 2024-2025 have been posted on the public TVAAS website here. Therefore, 2024-2025 TVAAS results are no longer embargoed.

For high schools, two professional development sessions will be provided that will cover both the PreACT and the ACT. Search for course number 48838 in PLZ.  One session is September 10 from noon to 2 p.m.; the other session is September 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Both sessions are virtual. Each session will have the same content, so individuals need to attend only one session.

Middle schools will be participating in PreACT only. A PreACT PD session will be offered for middle schools on September 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Search for code 48839 in PLZ. This session will be virtual.

SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS: ASSISTANCE WITH PROGRAM FEES

If you have students experiencing homelessness who are being asked to pay fees to participate in school programs, please know that our office can assist with covering those costs. This also applies to cap and gown fees for high school graduation.

To request payment, please follow-up with the school’s Financial Secretary to coordinate submission of a completed Payment Request Form along with a detailed description of the fees.

For additional information or assistance, please contact Karen Ball-Johnson at ballkf@scsk12.org or call 901-416-7393.

Per Policy #6065, the Office of Student Leadership will offer training for middle and high schools to beginning SGA & Student Council advisors. 

Participants will receive a step-by-step implementation plan to help schools establish a successful SGA and/or Student Council. A calendar of upcoming events (local and statewide) will be provided, in addition to information on fundraising, team-building, and community service projects.

Date:            Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time:            3:15 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Location:      Central High School (Library), 306 South Bellevue

PLZ Course: 48754

PURPOSE:   To provide guidelines for the operation of student councils in each of the district’s middle and high schools.

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

This policy applies to middle schools 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.

Please provide the contact information for your school's Student Council or Student Government Association by Monday, September 1, 2025. Sign-Up Link: https://forms.office.com/r/kx9gwvLFxV

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

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

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

Sign up Link: https://forms.office.com/r/b40w4smEsy

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.

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 - Student Congress Retreat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

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 in the 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 in those organizations.​

Student Clubs and Organizations allow for students to be connected to their school through a club or extracurricular activity. Each school is requested to host their own Student Clubs and Organization sign-up opportunities within the first month of school to allow students to select clubs, organizations, etc. These days may be structured through lunches, activity periods, homerooms, English classes, etc. to ensure access for all students. 

We are pleased to invite your school to participate in the upcoming Youth Leadership & Mental Wellness Workshop, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM at the Renasant Convention Center.

This youth-focused event is designed to empower middle and high school students through a dynamic blend of keynote inspiration, interactive sessions, and peer collaboration.

Conference Theme: "Ready. Set. Grow. Student Leadership"
This year's theme reflects our mission to equip students with the mindset, tools, and confidence to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose.

The conference will focus on the 5 A’s (Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, Arts) and include:

• Mental wellness and emotional growth
• Equity and student voice
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership development
• Student-led change and action

What We Need from You:

• Select 5 students from your school (middle and high school levels) who demonstrate leadership potential or would benefit from this experience.
• Assign one non-teacher staff member to attend as a chaperone for your student group.
• Complete the registration form by Friday, September 5, 2025, using the link below:

Registration Form: https://forms.office.com/r/R1jy91cyxs

Transportation:

Bus transportation will be provided for all student groups. Final logistics, including pickup times and locations, will be shared closer to the event date.

We look forward to your school’s participation in this powerful day of learning, growth, and connection. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for supporting the development of the next generation of youth leaders.

We are excited to invite one teacher from your school to participate in an upcoming virtual training hosted by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation as part of their nationally recognized Start With Hello initiative.

About Start With Hello:

Start With Hello teaches K-12 students how to recognize the signs of social isolation and empowers them to create a more inclusive and connected school environment. It is part of the SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Club framework, which promotes youth-led violence prevention, leadership, and a stronger sense of belonging within schools.

Training Details:

Program: Start With Hello – SAVE Leadership Training

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 11 AM

Format: Online via Zoom

Zoom Link: Will be provided directly by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation prior to the session

Stipend: Participating teachers will receive a $100 stipend.

Additional Details:

Teachers who attend the training also will serve as the SAVE Promise Club Advisor for their school, supporting students in implementing Start With Hello initiatives.

Each participating school will receive a bundle of materials and resources delivered directly to the campus to help launch and sustain their SAVE Club efforts.

Action Required:

Please select one teacher from your school who is passionate about student leadership, school culture, or social-emotional learning. Have them register by the August 25 deadline, using the link below:

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/eeJJUC5ax0

Thank you for supporting this powerful opportunity to create safer, more inclusive, and student-empowered school communities. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for submitting the name of your 2025–2026 Tutoring Coordinator. As a reminder, all schools are expected to implement a before- or after-school tutoring program for the current school year.

We now ask that you and your team begin prioritizing students for tutoring enrollment. Tutoring will begin on Monday, September 8, 2025, for all Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

Student Recruitment and Enrollment

• Tutoring spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Priority must be given to students who were previously retained, are overage for grade, or scored Below or Approaching based on last year’s data.
• Only after exhausting this list may schools extend invitations to Met or Exceeded students.
• Please have your Tutoring Coordinator and team begin contacting families of prioritized students immediately.

Parent Registration: Parents should register students via the PowerSchool Portal under Forms → General Forms. The tutoring toolkit can be found here. The toolkit includes family communication materials (phone script, parent email, FAQ, and flyer). 

Staffing and Tutor Allocations

• Your site’s tutor allocation (maximum certified and non-certified positions) can be found using the link here: 25-26 tutoring allocations
  • Example: If your allocation is 12 (8 certified + 4 non-certified), you may hire any combination of certified and non-certified tutors, but the total may not exceed 12.
• Final enrollment is dependent on your school’s staffing.
• Each school must identify at least one resource teacher to provide tutoring. If unavailable, identified students will be served by a general education teacher.
• Tutoring positions will be posted on the MSCS Careers website by the end of this week. Please encourage teachers and educational assistants to apply.

Program Fast Facts

• Dates: September 8, 2025 – April 10, 2026
• Grades: K–12
• Ratio: 1:8 tutor-to-student (8 students must attend regularly per group)
• Scheduling Options:
  • A) 3 days per week, 1 hour per day
  • B) 2 days per week, 1.5 hours per day
• Instructional Focus:
  • Elementary/Middle: ELA and/or Math
  • High School: EOC/ACT content (grades 9–12)

• Tutor Coordinator Compensation: $2,500.00 Stipend per Semester

• Tutor Pay:
  • Certified/Permit Teacher: $30/hour
  • Non-Certified Tutor: $20/hour

Coordinator Training

• Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
• Time: 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Colonial Middle School

The Office of Extended Learning will begin communicating directly with Tutoring Coordinators this week.

If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Hamilton at hamiltonky@scsk12.org.

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to student success.

National Voter Registration Day is coming up on Tuesday, September 16, and we’re excited to once again engage and empower our students through voter registration efforts across Shelby County. With the next local election scheduled for May 5, we’ll be registering all students who will turn 18 before the end of the school year to ensure they are ready to participate in our democracy. Sign-up for your free kit here.

This is also a time to celebrate! We are proud to recognize several high schools that earned the Anne Dallas Dudley Award from Secretary of State Tre Hargett for achieving outstanding student voter registration benchmarks:

Gold Level (100% of eligible students registered):

• Raleigh-Egypt School
• Compass Midtown High School

Silver Level (85%+ of eligible students registered):

• Booker T. Washington High School
• Central High School
• Medical District High School
• Whitehaven High School

Congratulations to these schools for your leadership in civic engagement!

We encourage all high schools to participate in this year’s voter registration efforts and aim high; your students could be next to earn this honor.

How to Register to Vote

Online Voter Registration:
Students with a Tennessee driver’s license or state ID can register online at www.shelbyvote.com/register-vote or by scanning the QR code below.

By Mail:
Download and print the voter registration application here: Tennessee Voter Registration Form (PDF)

GoVoteTN App:
Students can download the GoVoteTN app at govotetn.com for easy access to voter information and online registration.

Let’s work together to ensure that every eligible student is registered and ready to vote. Thank you for your continued commitment to civic engagement and leadership in your schools.

Greatness Grows Here.

Office of Enrollment and Attendance 

Attendance Procedures and Reminders

• Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow! September is Attendance Awareness Month! Every day in school, a student builds a strong foundation for their future. It isn't just about showing up; it's about consistency, building good habits, and becoming part of our school community. When students are here, they are gaining the skills they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Let's work together to make everyday count.

Show Up for Greatness: Attendance Monitoring and Recognition

• Our first 20-day school attendance period ended on August 29. Please ensure that all necessary student supports have been documented within the Show Up for Greatness Application App. All administrative staff should have access to the platform link, as this remains a mandatory requirement.
• For any questions, please email us at studentservices@scsk12.org.
• By consistently entering attendance data for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers every 20 days, we can proactively monitor attendance trends and identify where additional support may be needed.
• Attendance progress will also be reflected in student reports and report cards, ensuring transparent communication with parents and guardians.

Attendance Liaisons: A New Model for Student Success 

• As the new school year begins, we welcome back our Attendance Liaisons. Their work is essential for reducing chronic absenteeism and truancy across the district.
• Now managed by the Office of Enrollment & Attendance, Attendance Liaisons have transitioned to a new district-wide model, with each liaison assigned to a specific region to provide more focused support.
• Their efforts will be closely aligned with truancy prevention, RTI-B frameworks, and counseling services. This integrated approach is designed to effectively identify and support students, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed.

Student Absence Form Available via PowerSchool Parent Portal

• Please be advised that the Student Absence Form is available for all parents through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. This online form allows parents to easily notify the school of their child’s absence directly from their mobile devices or computers. Parents can also track the status of their absence submission by returning to the portal.

Verifying Parent/Guardian Contact Information 

• Staff must verify parent/guardian contact information during student check-ins/check-outs. This is critical to student safety and security and ensures our records are always up-to-date in case of an emergency or unexpected event.
• Accurate attendance entry in PowerSchool is essential for reducing the district’s chronic absenteeism rate.  In accordance with Policy #6014, teachers must begin recording attendance on the first day of school (August 4, 2025) using PowerTeacher Pro.

• Effective Immediately: The following attendance codes are the only codes teachers should use:
  • U0 – Unexcused Absence
  • FT – Field Trip
• T – Tardy (Middle and High School only)

• Teachers should no longer use the AT – Absent by Teacher code.
• Codes no longer used:

AT – Absent by Teacher

E0 – Excused Absence

E7 – Excused Absence due to Quarantine of Self Isolation

U6 – Unexcused Absence due to Quarantine of Self Isolation

U99 – Other

REM – Remand to Alt Setting

CT – Contract

T – Tardy (no longer used in Elementary Schools)

• Codes renamed:

Old                                                                       New

EPA – Excused Partial Absence                        LEE – Left Early Excused

UPA – Unexcused Partial Absence                   LEU – Left Early Unexcused

• Please ensure your Attendance Liaison and/or Clerical Assistant (General Office Secretary) is familiar with these changes. This information was reviewed during summer training and the July in-service sessions.

New District Attendance Initiative: Show Up for Greatness!

• Our new attendance initiative is designed to support a regional service delivery model and strengthen tiered interventions:

Tiered Intervention Model:

• Tier 1: Show Up for Greatness
• Tier 2: Everyday Counts– NEW partnership with the Assisi Foundation and Attendance Works
• Tier 3: Be Present. Be Great.
• We are also improving alignment between Attendance & Truancy Liaisons and RTI-B Specialists to maximize effectiveness in reducing chronic absenteeism and truancy.

Truancy Outreach: Greatness at Your Door 2.0

• As we address truancy, our focus will be on students who have not re-enrolled and are marked as no-shows.  These students must be identified early for outreach.

Action Required:

• Export your no-show list from PowerSchool
• Personally contact each family to determine the reason for non-enrollment and offer necessary support
• Prepare for home outreach visits through the Greatness at Your Door 2.0 campaign

Grade Placement: Overage or Unenrolled Students (OAG)

• Students returning to MSCS after an extended absence or who are new to the district but have never been enrolled must undergo grade placement assessment.

Process:

1. Complete the OAG Placement Form: https://forms.office.com/r/UsRH8usW5C
2. If the student is already in PowerSchool:
   • Transfer to Registration School
   • Enroll in age-appropriate grade
   • Add entry comment: “Pending OAG Assessment”
   • Provide parent with PowerSchool credentials
   • Inform parent a placement team member will contact them via email
3. If the student is new to MSCS and has proof of residence:
   • Enroll in Registration School
   • Follow the same steps above

Enrollment Procedures and Reminders

• First impressions matter. Please ensure staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and equipped to assist with enrollment needs. Most issues can be resolved at the school level. Families should not be turned away.
• District-level support is available. The Enrollment & Attendance Office will assist with complex cases involving school assignments, truancy clearance, special education inquiries, and other matters.

Kindergarten Age Requirement:

• Children must be five years old on or before August 15 of the current school year to be eligible for kindergarten enrollment.
• Five-year-old kindergarteners who have not been previously enrolled cannot be enrolled after the first 30 days of the school year.
• Previously enrolled kindergarteners may be accepted at any time.

Upcoming Attendance Initiatives

• Sept. 10: Attendance Liaison Monthly Meeting (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
• Sept. 9: Intro to Attendance Training (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) - Location: TTC
• Sept. 11: Attendance Practices and Processes (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) - Location: TTC Lauderdale Lab
• Coming Soon: Greatness at Your Door 2.0 (Time and Location TBD)

September is National Attendance Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the critical role daily school attendance plays in academic achievement and long-term student success. This month-long initiative calls on schools, families, and communities to build strong attendance habits early and to understand the serious consequences of chronic absenteeism.

New District Attendance Initiative: Show Up for Greatness!

We are proud to launch a new attendance campaign that strengthens our regional service delivery model and reinforces the power of tiered interventions:

· Tier 1: Show Up for Greatness – Promoting positive, schoolwide attendance culture.

· Tier 2: Everyday Counts – Providing targeted supports for students at risk of falling behind.

· Tier 3: Be Present. Be Great. – Delivering intensive, personalized interventions for students most impacted by absenteeism.

Together, let’s reaffirm our commitment: Every student. Every day. Showing up for Greatness. Please visit https://www.scsk12.org/attendance/?PN=404 information.

REMINDER:

For parent/guardian check-ins and check-outs, schools must verify the adult’s identity in PowerSchool against the approved contact list using a government-issued photo ID. Only individuals listed as authorized in accordance with district policy are permitted to sign students in or out of school. Please contact the Office of Enrollment & Attendance at 901-416-2989 with questions.

Attention: Clarification of Cafeteria Duty

· School counselors may be utilized for lunch duty to help supervise students for no more than 150 minutes per week (e.g., 30 minutes per day).

· To maintain an appropriate balance with school counseling responsibilities in alignment with the 80/20 Rule, consider implementing a rotating schedule (weekly or monthly) or limit cafeteria supervision to 1–3 days per week rather than daily.

80/20 Rule: School counselors shall spend 80% of their time providing direct and student support services to students and the remaining 20% of their time on program management and school support (TN SC Policy 5.103).

Please Note: School counselors shall not provide counseling in the cafeteria or in any space that does not ensure privacy and confidentiality (TN SC Policy 5.103).

September is designated as Tennessee College Application & Exploration Month. The goal of this event is to build excitement and increase knowledge about the college application process at all grade levels and provide every graduating senior with an opportunity to apply to college. Activities for younger students should focus on college and career exploration. TN Path to College resources help schools plan events for each week of the month:

The weekly themes for the month of September are:

9/1/2025 - 9/5/2025 — Explore College & Career 

9/8/2025 - 9/12/2025 — Prepare to Apply 

9/15/2025 - 9/19/2025 — Apply (Why Apply Day is 9/19/2025) 

9/22/2025 - 9/26/2025 — I Applied, Now What? 

Please visit https://www.collegefortn.org/tn-college-application-exploration-month/ to access resources with school and classroom activities, templates, and a social media toolkit for K-12 schools.