The overview of the January priorities is available via the following link:  ​Literacy Commitment January 2026 Priorities.pptx​.  The content highlights the required parent communication to occur in January for the impacted 3rd- and 4th-grade students.  All resources are available via the following link:  ​Literacy Commitment for Schools​.

IReady Winter Diagnostic Window

The Winter Universal Screening Window closes on Friday, January 23. The District has removed access to the Diagnostic for all students. The ELA and Math Diagnostics Assessments will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on school days to all students K-8 and select students in 9-12.  If your school is not testing until after winter break, please plan to hide and then unhide when needing to test the ELA and Math Diagnostic Assessments for students to maintain integrity for testing.  To review the steps for how to hide the Diagnostic and still allow the personalized instruction and games, please take a moment to log into iReady and then click this link for a quick tutorial:  https://login.i-ready.com/central/Search?resource=cd6f4847-fbdf-434f-afbf-969b4bd7fed7.

Questions can be emailed to Emily Vuoso, vuosoeb@scsk12.org.

Perennial Math is hosting the Jack Frost Team Virtual Tournament for K-8 students on January 28-29 and is offering to waive the participation fees for schools within the District. This opportunity gives teachers and schools the chance to experience Perennial Math and its platform firsthand and consider choosing to become more involved. Additionally, an onsite math tournament will be held in Memphis at Lakeland Preparatory School on February 21, 2026. For the onsite tournament, the cost is $15 per child. Find more detailed information using the links above. For any additional information, contact Antronette C. Brown at brownac@scsk12.org.

 

Please find the MTSS Lead Weekly Updates for 12/15/25.

Students can access iReady Personalized Instruction MyPath over WinterBreak by logging into Clever from a laptop or iPad using their student login credentials.  Teachers are encouraged to send home the username/password over the winter break.

Parents can access Winter Break packets via bit.ly/mscswinter2025 which takes you to the Parent Resources page on the Curriculum & Instruction website.

Thank you for your active engagement during the December Principals’ Meeting. Together, we celebrated semester achievements, reaffirmed our commitment to district policies, and identified clear priorities to finish strong and launch the second half of the year with focus. Your leadership ensures that the winter work we do now will grow spring results.

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

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

Contact Us: performanceandleadership@scsk12.org 

Principals!

We are thrilled to kick off the new semester by continuing our commitment to high-impact leadership development. As we lean into Semester 2, we invite you to share these upcoming January Leadership Labs with your leadership teams. These sessions are designed to provide actionable strategies and collaborative solutions for the critical work ahead.

🗓️ January Schedule & Registration

Please ensure your team members secure their spots in PLZ using the specific section codes provided below. Lab details are provided in the link: January Leadership Labs (Luckett and Bates).docx

Spring 2026 Professional Learning Course Offerings are now available.

Spring 2026 Professional Learning Catalog.pdf

The Regional Teacher Learning Labs are designed to provide differentiated professional learning opportunities aligned to educator effectiveness levels. Through targeted tracks—Novice, Focus, and Proficient—these labs support the development of content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and instructional practices.

Why Attend?

• Guidance from Instructional Content Leaders
• Focus on District-Aligned Academic Goals
• Practical Tools for Immediate Classroom Impact

Registration is open in PLZ:

Northeast Region: 49726

Northwest Region: 49727

Southeast Region: 49728

Southwest Region: 49729

Flyer: January Teacher Learning Labs.pdf

On behalf of Dr. Balaji Krishnaiah, Vice Chair of Education, Stroke Division Chief, and Neurology Residency Program Director at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Neurology, I am thrilled to share an incredible opportunity for your students: Brain Bee!

Brain Bee is part of an international movement founded in 1998 to inspire high school students to learn about the brain and consider careers in neuroscience – fields that are vital to treating and curing brain disorders. This year, we are proud to bring this exciting Neuroscience Competition for Teens to Shelby County for the first time!

More details are included in the flyer linked here. This is a unique chance for students to challenge themselves, explore cutting-edge science, and connect with a community passionate about brain health. To be considered for participation in the Memphis Brain Bee, please submit this application by Friday, January 30.

If you have any questions, please reach out to brainbee@uthsc.edu. We would love for your school and students to be part of this amazing event!

We’re excited to share an opportunity for your students to showcase their knowledge and creativity! In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Tennessee Secretary of State has announced the 2026 Civics Essay Contest with the theme: “Tennessee, America at Its Best.”

Students in grades K–12 are encouraged to participate for a chance to win scholarships and an unforgettable trip to the State Capitol, including an award luncheon, serving as a legislative page, and a behind-the-scenes tour.

Submission deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026
Learn more and access contest rules at: sos.tn.gov/civics-essay-contest

Let’s inspire the next generation of engaged citizens!

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>.

An Immersive Federal Court Program for Memphis Area High School Students

Program Outline

Investigate the Supreme Court case Watson v. City of Memphis (1963).

• Week-long program at the United States District Courthouse for the Western District of Tennessee, includes local field trips.
• Learn from State and Federal Judges & Local Attorneys, Professors, and Historians.
• Create a collaborative capstone project to educate your community on the impact of the case.
• Participants will gain valuable experience and Supreme Court gift bags.

For more information: https://supremecourthistory.org/hometown-program-memphis-tn/

If you have any questions, please email jhigginsshaull@supremecourthistory.org.

Program Session Dates: Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 20, 2026

Please submit your academic reference via the online submission form at the bottom of this page by the application deadline: January 30, 2026 @ 4 PM CST.