C & I Science Updates
Audience: K-12 Science teachers & Administrators
If you have programs, projects, or ideas that could make a real impact, now is the perfect time to submit them for upcoming grants. These grants can help turn your vision into reality and provide students with experiences that inspire and empower their learning.
Click the blue hyperlink above to get started today … don’t wait!
For any questions or guidance, reach out to Demaria Young at youngd5@scsk12.org.
Contact:
Terilyn McChriston, Ed.S
Curriculum and Instruction K-12 Science Manager
mcchristontj@scsk12.org
Reminder: December 15, 2025
Onyx in Middle School Mathematics
This is a follow-up to the Onyx content published within the September 26, 2025, LeaderBoard and presented during the September LDW. To assist in attaining the district's mathematics proficiency goal of 28.1% for 2026, our district is engaging in a spring partnership with the Reconstruction group. Our middle school mathematics teachers will interact with Onyx, which is a curricular tool that assists in incorporating culturally relevant content effectively and efficiently.
In preparation for the spring semester, middle school mathematics teachers will engage in a 60-minute professional learning session. Additionally, principals have the opportunity to connect with the Onyx team to deepen their understanding of the implementation expectations. See the information below for specific dates, times, and Teams links.
Principal Open Labs |
| Teacher Professional Learning |
December 2, 2025 10-10:30 a.m. 3:30-4 p.m. | December 9, 2025 3:30-4:30 p.m. | |
December 4, 2025
7-7:30 a.m.
1-1:30 p.m.
| December 10, 2025
3-4 p.m.
| |
Join one of the sessions by leveraging the information below: Meeting ID: 235 277 597 403 97 Passcode: XG6Qn3Pw +1 901-602-6178,,231064214# United States, Memphis Phone conference ID: 231 064 214# | Join one of the sessions by leveraging the information below: Meeting ID: 259 885 728 235 01 Passcode: jp2ej2nu +1 901-602-6178,,714002345# United States, Memphis Phone conference ID: 714 002 345#
|
The following information has been shared previously via LeaderBoard and remains available for your review:
Onyx for Middle School Mathematics.
Please reach out to Ms. Antronette Brown (brownac), Ms. Nikesha Selmon (selmonny), or Dr. Amy Maples (maplesa) with any questions.
Reminder: December 5, 2025
C & I Science Updates
Looking for the Revised Tennessee Science Standards?
The updated standards are now easier to access on the official TN.gov website!
To find them:
- Visit TN.gov.
- Navigate to the Education section.
- Select Academic Standards and choose Science.
- Follow the links provided in the flyer for quick access to the revised documents. Revised TN Science Standards.pdf
These standards include grade-level expectations, instructional supports, and assessment guidance to help educators implement high-quality science instruction.
Audience: K-12 Teachers and building admin.
Subject: Science
Contact: Terilyn McChriston, C & I Science Manager; mcchristontj@scsk12.org
Reminder: December 15, 2025
Unpacking a Unit
Please see the attached flyer for the upcoming professional learning session, “Unpacking a Unit,” with our partners from Curriculum Associates.
Click link. https://bit.ly/48Cd2w3
Reminder: December 10, 2025
12/1/25 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates
Principals, please find the link to the December 1st MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.
Winter Universal Screening Window
The Winter Universal Screening Window will open December 15-January 23. Please consider completing the Written Expression and iReady Literacy Tasks in December and holding the iReady Reading and Math Diagnostics until we return in January to allow for ultimate focus and attention.
Students in grades K-6 should complete the following:
- iReady Reading Diagnostic
- iReady Math Diagnostic
- iReady Literacy Tasks for grade level
- written expression
- screening for characteristics of dyslexia as outlined (Decision Making Crosswalk)
All students in grades 7-8 should complete the iReady Diagnostic for ELA and Math. Those enrolled in a 9-12 intervention course should complete the iReady Diagnostic for ELA or Math as aligned to the enrolled course. This ensures an updated personalized instruction path and allows schools to check progress toward typical and stretch growth.
Reminder: Greatness in the Gaps Direct Fidelity Checks
Principals should complete one Greatness in the Gaps Direct Fidelity Check each month. Data is reported on the first of the month. Greatness in the Gaps Direct Fidelity Check Collection Form – Fill out for
Interpretation & Translation Guidance
In-Person Support
(Requests must be submitted at least seven (7) days in advance.)
Interpretation Requests for non-Exceptional Education Department meetings:
Visit the Ivanti Work Orders icon on the Edugoodies website.
Select Service Catalog
On the left menu, click ESL
Choose ESL Interpreter Request
Document Translation Requests:
Follow the same steps above and select ESL Translation Request.
This includes options for translating all general school-based documents except transcripts.
District-wide translations for Spanish are handled by the Bilingual Communications team within the Communications Department. To request this service, click on Communications on the left menu.
Transcript Requests:
Follow the same steps above and select ESL Transcript Analysis Request.
ESL Course Code Assignments
Please ensure that all ESL students are correctly assigned an ESL and/or ELD course code in PowerSchool. Accurate course coding is required for compliance, as it provides evidence of the delivery model the ESL teacher is implementing. Additionally, assigning the correct course codes also allows teachers to receive monitoring forms in compliance with the TDOE. K-5 ESL Course Codes. 6-8 ESL Course Codes. 9-12 ESL Course Codes.
ELPA21 Technology System Updates
The ELPA21 Summative testing window is approaching quickly! All testing devices to be used for the administration of the ELPA21 Summative MUST be updated to the latest version of the Secure Browser by Wednesday, December 17.
Windows: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Currently, Cambium's Secure Browser 18 will support all Windows 10 and 11 versions released after May 2025. Windows 10 devices will not be supported for testing in school year 2026-2027.
ChromeOS: Cambium has introduced a new Secure Browser (Progressive Web App) for ChromeOS for the 2025–26 school year. The current Kiosk app (8.0) for ChromeOS will remain valid during the 2025-26 school year, but only for ChromeOS version 138. The new PWA will be required starting from version 139 and will continue to be supported on all future ChromeOS versions.
9-12 ESL Data Meetings
All high schools are encouraged to hold quarterly ESL data meetings in support of the ML Academic Success Assurance Protocol (ML ASAP). Recommended participants include the ESL Teacher(s), PLC Coach and/or Instructional Facilitator, and Content Area Leads. Counselors and Administrators are encouraged to participate as well. The Q2 ESL Data Meeting Template can be found here. For questions, contact Michael Cortez, cortezl@scsk12.org, or Melissa Basel, delahuntym@scsk12.org.
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities & Key Dates
In-Person PDs are offered at the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) unless otherwise indicated - 3030 Jackson Ave., Memphis, TN 38122
December 9 - Lexia English PD for K-8 ESL Teachers, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Teams.
December 10 – December ESL Monthly Meeting, 8:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. on Teams.
December 11 – High School Scheduling for MLs, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Teams.
Project Graduation Spring Enrollment
Attention High School Leaders:
Professional School Counselors can now begin enrolling students in Project Graduation for the Spring 2026 Semester. PSCs may enroll students to complete new courses or recover previously failed coursework.
Most Spring courses will be offered in person at Craigmont, Hamilton, Overton, and Southwind high schools. Students participating virtually must have access to an MSCS 1:1 device or a personal device.
Resources for PSCs and Graduation Coaches, including the course catalog, parent letter, calendar, step sheets, and more are available at Project Grad Loves PSCs 2025-26 (Project Grad Loves PSC's 2025-26 - Home).
Important Dates:
- Enrollment deadline for Part I courses: January 15, 2026
- Classes begin: January 20–21, 2026
For questions or additional information, contact the Project Graduation Office at 901-416-9041
Office of Enrollment, Attendance, and Truancy
Greatness Grows Here
Office of Enrollment-Attendance-Truancy
End of Semester Attendance Procedures and Reminders
- As we prepare to close out the first semester, thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to maintaining strong enrollment and attendance practices across your school communities. Attendance continues to drive academic achievement and funding, and your efforts remain vital. Please monitor chronic absenteeism concerns, maintain consistent parent communication, and ensure timely reconciliation of daily attendance in PowerSchool.
- Accurate enrollment and attendance reporting is essential during this transition period. For accuracy of semester grading and state reporting, students should not be withdrawn prior to January 5, 2026.
Show Up for Greatness: Attendance Monitoring and Recognition
- Please note that our fourth 20-day school attendance period ends on December 10, 2025. It is a mandatory requirement that all necessary student supports be fully documented within the Show Up for Greatness Application. Please ensure this is completed by the deadline.
- 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.
- Gold : 96% or higher
- Silver : 91% to 95%
- Bronze : 90% or less
- Attendance progress will also be reflected in student reports and report cards, ensuring transparent communication with parents and guardians.
- Teachers must continue to record daily attendance accurately through the last day of the semester (Friday, December 19, 2025).
- Generate the Attendance Today report to identify and resolve any data entry discrepancies.
- Generate the MSCS Absent by Minutes Present report to further identify and resolve any data entry discrepancies.
- Print and retain the Absentee report for official record-keeping purposes.
- Retain the student check-in log for official record-keeping purposes.
- Retain the student check-out log for official record-keeping purposes.
Recommendations for Record Storage
- When preparing to store all 2025–2026 attendance records, it is recommended to separate and clearly label the student check-in log from the student check-out log.
- Retain all substitute teacher rosters.
- Print the Smart Find Report to verify substitute rosters.
December Student Recognition
- We are celebrating student hard work and positive growth throughout December.
- We are seeking nominations for students showing outstanding/improved attendance and positive behavior/leadership.
- Please contact our office to nominate a deserving student for a special recognition and gift.
- We will also track and recognize schools for overall attendance effort and improvement.
Approval Required for IEP/504 General Choice Transfer Rescissions
- For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan whose transfer is recommended for rescission, our department confers with General Counsel to ensure compliance with all relevant special education laws and regulations.
General Choice Transfer Rescission Process & Deadline
- General Choice rescind notifications will be issued to parents of students ineligible to return for the 2025–26 school year.
- Policy #6002 states that General Choice transfers are approved through the student's exit grade level but may be revoked if the student fails to meet expectations in attendance, behavior, and/or academic performance.
- To request a transfer revocation, Principals must:
- Ensure all attendance and grade records in PowerSchool are accurate and up to date before submission. Requests will be validated in PowerSchool and approved by our office. You will receive an outcome notification via email.
- Official parent notifications will be issued by the district. All rescinded transfers take effect Monday, January 5, 2026.
- Hold a meeting with the parent/guardian to discuss the recommendation.
- Submit a formal request to the Enrollment & Attendance Office using the link below by Friday, December 12.
School Rescind Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/3HnKG1dd5e
Access your list of transfer students by logging into PowerSchool Enrollment and clicking on "General Choice 2025-26."
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.
Truancy Outreach: Parent Student Support Plan
- As we intensify our focus on reducing truancy, schools must prioritize identifying students who are chronically absent, defined as five or more unexcused absences. Early outreach and intervention are essential to re-engage students before absenteeism escalates. A Parent Student Support Plan (PSSP) is required for every student who accumulates five absences whether excused or unexcused. The PSSP serves as a proactive tool to address barriers, strengthen family engagement, and support consistent attendance.
- As we address truancy, our primary attention should be on students who have been withdrawn due to ten consecutive unexcused absences.
- Regularly monitor your withdrawal list in PowerSchool and contact your assigned Truancy Liaison for guidance and support.
- Ensure all withdrawal documentation is complete and accurate, including evidence of outreach efforts and parent contact attempts, before finalizing the student’s withdrawal.
- Each School is required to designate individuals to conduct SART Meetings and those meetings must be logged in PowerSchool. This is imperative as we continue to identify students who are habitually absent/truant in school.
Enrollment Procedures and Reminders
- Registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open in Spring 2026 for both new and returning students. Parents will be able to submit their registration and update necessary information by logging into their PowerSchool Parent Portal.
- For any questions, please contact Stacey Davis at daviss2@scsk12.org.
- Detailed registration information can be accessed at: https://registration.powerschool.com/admin/login/login.rails
- The online School Choice transfer application portal for the 2026–2027 school year will open on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10 a.m.
- Choice transfer options should be strategically utilized for student recruitment, retention, and reclamation efforts. (Recruit, Retain, and Reclaim.)
- To ensure accessibility of information, post registration times for parents in highly visible locations and at all school entrances.
- Schedule Registration Night(s) to support families through the enrollment process. Contact the Office of Enrollment and Attendance for assistance as needed.
- The Registration Team is required to attend refresher training sessions available in PLZ.
Upcoming Dates and Meetings
- December 11 - Attendance Liaisons Meeting
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Location: TBD
- January 8 - Attendance Practices and Processes Training
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Location: TTC - Lauderdale Lab
- January 27 - Application period for School Choice Transfers begins.
- Spring 2026- New and Returning Student Registration Opens
- PowerSchool Parent Portal
- School Consolidation Meetings
- December 3, 5:30 p.m. - Lucy ES (at Lucy ES)
- December 4, 5:30 p.m. - Lucy ES (at receiving school: Woodstock MS)
Q2 Report Card Checklist (Administrators & Teachers)
The Q2 Report Card period ends Friday, December 19, 2025. Q2 Report Cards should be printed and handed to students to take home, Wednesday, January 14th. Report Cards are no longer required to be mailed. Parents will continue to be able to view the grades in the Parent Portal. The Q2 Report Card Checklist will be available here. This document outlines the teacher and school office staff’s responsibilities for verifying and finalizing Q2 Report Card grades. If you have any questions, please contact your assigned SIS Data Specialist/Analyst.
Reminder: January 15, 2026
2025-26 TEAM Student Growth Portfolios
Please ensure all portfolio educators log in to TeachAll and select their collections by Friday, December 5. Educators must use their state single sign on to log into the platform. If educators are unsure of their State SSO they may reach out to:
Subject/Grade Specific Content Advisors
District Portfolio Lead, Floresha Smith
Also, all point A assessments should be completed (NOT uploaded to the platform) by Friday, December 5.
To view Portfolio Educators that have been rostered, please utilize the Evaluation KPI Dashboard. If you have questions about the educators listed or realize educators are missing, please reach out to the District Portfolio Lead Floresha Smith .
TEM Announced Observation #1
The deadline to complete TEM Announced Observation #1 is Friday, December 5.
The Evaluation KPI Dashboard may be used to track schools' completion progress.
For questions or support with observations, please reach out to eps@scsk12.org.
TEAM Cycle 1
The deadline to complete TEAM Cycle I for Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, and Deans of Students is Friday, December 19, 2025.
As a reminder, TEAM Administrators must select their evaluator.
Questions? Please reach out to eps@scsk12.org.
NIE Mid-Year Conference
The NIE Mid-Year Conference window will open on December 5th.
The deadline to complete ALL NIE Mid-Year Conferences in PLZ is February 13, 2026.
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.
Questions? Please reach out to eps@scsk12.org.
SY2024–25 Educator Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) Score Release
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has released 2024–25 Educator Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) scores in TNCompass.
To receive an LOE score, all required component scores (depending on the evaluation type) must be present in TNCompass. Components may include:
- Observation
- Achievement
- Growth
- Professionalism
- Student Perception Survey.
*LOE Generation/Evaluation Track Update
- Educators identified as Partial Year Exemption (PYE) will not receive an LOE score.
- Evaluation tracks have been updated in PLZ for educators who have generated LOE scores.
- Educators new to MSCS who have generated LOEs should email eps@scsk12.org to have their tracks updated.
- There are approximately 1,200 educators who have not generated LOE scores. These educators selected achievement measures that have embargoed data. Scores will be updated when the data is released.
*Best of All
The “best of” option will apply to AGM-URS (K-2 ELA Teachers—IReady) scores for the 2024-25 school year.
- Educator level of overall effectiveness (LOE) scores based on TN-URS data, when available, will be used only if the scores are higher than LOE scores produced with the educator’s selected TVAAS composite growth score.
- Both LOE scores will be displayed in the TNCompass platform, but only the higher of the two will be used.
Due to challenges with CTE data submissions, a “best of” option is available for educators who have selected TVAAS CTE Concentrator or TVAAS CTE as their growth measures for the 2024-25 school year only.
- The District will select another growth measure from available measures, as determined appropriate for that educator.
All SY24-25 evaluations in TN Compass should be finalized and signed by Personal Identification Number (PIN) by the Educator and Administrator by December 10, 2025. The process must be initiated by the school Administrator.
If you have questions about missing component scores or other evaluation-related questions, please submit an Ivanti ticket so the EPS team may research the issue. Employees may use this step sheet for information on how to submit a ticket.
URS-AGM Roster Verification
Coming Soon! The approved Universal Reading Screener for MSCS is I-Ready, and teachers who teach ELA in grades KK-2nd will receive individual growth scores from this data, which will account for 35% of their LOE. When rosters are received from the State, Building Testing coordinators will receive detailed directions for roster verification and next steps.
SY25-26 Student Perception Survey
Fall SY25-26 Student Perception Survey Results are coming soon. School Administrators will have access to survey data starting Friday, December 5, 2025. Please note the following:
Survey results may be viewed via the Panorama Education Platform.
School Administrators should use their District Single Sign-On to access the platform.
Administrators may sign up to attend a TEAMs session titled Understanding Student Perception Survey Results for Administrators, to better understand school-level results and plan next steps. PLZ Course# 48824
Leaderboard ILT Memo to Principals
Attention Principals: All Fall 2025 ILT Documentation is Due December 8, 2025, as (1) comprehensive PDF scanned document to scsiltstipends@scsk12.org. Leaderboard ILT Updates to Principals 12.4.2025.docx
Winter Flex Days
Winter Flex Day 2026: Unlock Your Potential Through Professional Learning
Educators who complete 6 hours of designated Canvas Cadre courses by February 3, 2026, will qualify for the February Flex Day on February 16, 2026.
Featured courses include:
- Level Up Learning: Gamification Strategies for K-12 Classrooms
- Student Work Analysis
Ensure your hours are reflected on your PLZ transcript by February 8, 2026. For late hires and teachers on leave, additional requirements apply.
School Leaders: Please share this information with your school staff.
Canvas Questions? Contact CadreCanvasSupport@scsk12.org.
Reminder: December 19, 2025
MSCS Compass Updates and New Releases
Report Updates:
- In Student Grades, all reports with a student table now have a flag for Core Courses. As defined by the State, Core Courses include English Language & Literature, Life & Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Social Studies & History. Click here for the Student Grades user guides.
- In Student Grades: District Quick Report, new metrics identify the number and percent of 1st-12th grade students failing 1 or more core courses and the number and percent of Kindergarten students with non-Mastery Core Course grades. Click here to see the user guide.
- In Student Grades: Raw Data, two data quality flags have been added. One flag shows Kindergarten students with an incorrect letter grade (any grade not E, S, N, or U). The other flag identifies courses with missing or inaccurate course codes. Click here to see the user guide for this report.
- School Information has a new location in the MSCS Compass under School Trends. This dashboard provides current year and historical data on each school, including senior leadership and school contact information, grade levels served, state letter grades, and school year calendars. Click here for the user guide.
- Data for the 4th 20-Day period will be available in the Show Up for Greatness report on December 11th. Click here to see the user guide for this report.
Coming Soon:
- i-Ready data will be available during the Winter testing window (12/15 to 1/23). Data will populate the following day (starting 12/16) and 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!
- This week’s VOH (12/9 and 12/11) will be an Open Office Hours session. Bring your questions!
- 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.
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Starting in February, we have two new dashboard specific trainings available.
Want to learn more about the High School Progress Dashboard? Sign up today! Look for Course Code 49628 in PLZ to sign up.
Want to learn more about the Student Discipline Dashboard? Sign up today! Look for Course Code 49629 in PLZ to sign up.
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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.
Do the Write Thing Writing Challenge
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 salute our 2025 National Ambassador from Hamilton K-8 School and our finalists from:
- A. Maceo Walker Middle School
- Colonial Middle School
- Grandview Heights Middle School
- John P. Freeman Optional School
- Hamilton K-8 School
- Mt. Pisgah Middle School
We are excited about this year's challenge and look forward to the submission of essays, poems, songs, plays and more! We are looking for submissions from every middle school this year.
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: 12/15/25)
- Any form of written expression (e.g. essays, poems, plays, songs)
- Must address the following questions:
- How has violence affected my life?
- What are the causes of youth violence?
- What can I do to reduce youth violence?
- Positive and non-derogatory language
- Fictional writings must be identified as such
- Strong preference will be given to non-fiction writings
- Credit must be given to outside sources
- Writings based upon plagiarism will not be considered
Completed packets may be sent to our office 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. Also, each submission should contain its own cover sheet with the parent/guardian's signature.
In addition to information on https://www.dtwt.org/, please review the MSCS Do the Write Thing Resources Folder.
For more information about the local implementation of the national program, please contact:
Ernest Brooks, II
Associate Deputy District Attorney/Senior Policy Advisor
Office of District Attorney General Steve Mulroy
201 Poplar Ave., 11th Floor Ernest.Brooks@scdag.com
(901) 222-1547 – Office
(901) 222-1300 – Main Office/Reception
(731) 293-4187
Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Erin Y. Luster <lusterey@scsk12.org>.
Reminder: December 15, 2025
Memphis Business Journal's Next Gen Nominations
Nominations are now open for the Memphis Business Journal’s Next Gen program, and we don’t want your students to miss out on this incredible opportunity. Next Gen connects emerging young leaders (ideally juniors) with influential business professionals and top decision makers across Memphis, opening doors to meaningful mentorship, valuable exposure, and even potential summer internships that can shape future careers.
Each high school team is asked nominate up to two well-rounded students who demonstrate promise, curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference in their school and community. These aren’t necessarily the most visible students or those with highest GPA, but those who show early leadership, engagement, and a genuine interest in exploring the world of business.
Selected students will be paired with mentors and welcomed into signature MBJ events, gaining experiences that can truly set them apart. To support your nominees, we ask for a brief testimonial from a school representative and guidance for students throughout the process.
Your participation makes all the difference and we hope to see even stronger engagement this year as we work together to elevate our next generation of Memphis leaders.
Nominations are due Saturday, January 31, 2026. For more information, visit: https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/nomination/89185/2026/2026-next-gen#/
Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Billy J. Walker <walkerbj@scsk12.org>.
MSCS Spelling Bee Update
The District's Spelling Bee is back! We’re encouraging all elementary and middle schools to host a school-level Spelling Bee and give students the chance to showcase their spelling skills and confidence on stage.
The MSCS Spelling Bee will highlight our spectacular spellers in grades 1-8. But first, they’ll need to win your school’s spelling bee by Friday, January 23, 2026. Now is the time to identify your Spelling Bee Coordinator and plan for e-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-c-e.
Sign-Up Here: Spelling Bee Intent to Participate 2025-26 Due: Friday, December 19, 2025
Below are the key dates to keep in mind as you guide your school through this exciting season:
Friday, December 19, 2025
Conclude all Classroom Spelling Bees
Intent to Participate Form Due
Friday, January 23, 2026
Conclude all Grade 1–8 School-wide Spelling Bees.
Select one overall winner and one alternate per grade band (i.e., 1–2, 3–5, and 6–8).
These representatives will compete in the district-wide Spelling Bee.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Save the Date for the District-wide MSCS Spelling Bee
If you have questions about how to get started, join us please let us know.
For more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit spellingbee.com/enrollment to learn more and register your school. Participation in the Scripps Bee is NOT required for participation in the MSCS Spelling Bee.
Thank you for all you do to create meaningful learning opportunities for our students and for helping them build confidence through friendly academic competition!
Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Erin Y. Luster <lusterey@scsk12.org>.
Reminder: December 19, 2025