Literacy Commitment Leads have access to the overview of the January priorities.  Additionally, virtual open office hours will be available throughout January.  See slide 9 of the following slide deck for details regarding these virtual support sessions:  ​Literacy Commitment January 2026 Priorities.pptx​.

Please review the 1/5/2026 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

The Winter Universal Screening Window is open December 15-January 23.

Students in grades K-6 should complete the following:

• iReady Reading Diagnostic
• iReady Math Diagnostic
• iReady Literacy Tasks for grade level
• written expression (remember to enter scores in PowerApps-link found under quick links on On Target for Success homepage)
• 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 towards typical and stretch growth.

Schools will use the results to make data-based instructional decisions for students and updated student Tier 2 or 3 intervention plans and/or ILPDs in TNPulse.
 

Effective immediately, please discontinue using LanguageLine Solutions for on-demand interpretation and translation services. The district has transitioned to a new interpretation service for oral communication with families: RTT Mobile Interpretation.

Follow these steps to access the service:

Dial:

• Spanish Hotline: 866-218-2224
• Multi-Language Hotline: 888-218-3544

Provide:

• Account Number: 83893#

Enter:

• Access Code: 20050#

Important:

• Use the Spanish hotline for calls requiring Spanish interpretation.
• Use the multi-language hotline for all other languages.

For translation requests, continue submitting your work ticket in Ivanti.

If you have any questions, contact the Office of Multilingual Learners at 901-416-5411.

**Please refer to this ​​​​link​​​​ for a document on how to access the system. 

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. 
 

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 17th.   

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.  

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, reach out to Mr. Michael Cortez, cortezl@scsk12.org, or Ms. Melissa Basel, delahuntym@scsk12.org.  

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

January 13 and January 15 - ELPA21 Summative Training for BTCs only; 2 sessions will be held each day from 8-11 AM and 12-3 PM; BTCs will only attend one session and no ESL teachers should attend 

January 13 - ESL 101 for New/Novice ESL Teachers, 4:00-5:30 PM - "Preparing for the ELPA21 Summative Assessment" 

January 13 - Bilingual Mentor Workshop 8:00-11:30 AM

January 14 – Q2 Retention Prevention/ML ASAP Work Samples Due in ELLevation  

January 14 - January ESL Monthly Meeting for all ESL Teachers, Virtual on Teams, 8:15 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM

January 21- Q3 Grade-band meetings 

February 2-March 25-ELPA21 Testing Window

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​​​​​​. 

Administrators seeking to take a deeper dive into their school’s Student Perception Survey data are invited to join the Panorama team for: 

Understanding Student Perception Survey Results for Administrators 

• Format: Microsoft Teams 
• PLZ Course: #48824 
• Training Dates: January 13–15 

There’s also training for teachers in your building.  Educators interested in leveraging student survey data to support classroom instruction and strengthen school culture and climate may register to attend the session. 

Student Surveyed, Now What? Understanding the Student Perception Survey Results 

• Format: Microsoft Teams 
• PLZ Course: #48826  
• Training Dates: January 20–22 

For assistance, please email District SPS Lead, Chiquita Allen-Bradley, allenbradleyc@scsk12.org. 
 

Principals, if there are new teachers in your building or teachers who need support around the TEM Rubric, they may register for the spring edition of The TEM TEACHer Training Series in PLZ using course #48814.

Educators will receive:

• Assistance in identifying teacher and student actions that guide effective instruction at performance levels 3-5 of the TEACH indicators
• An opportunity to hear how educators across the District meet the demands of the descriptors in the rubric
• Time to ask clarifying questions

For assistance, please email eps@scsk12.org.

TN Portfolio Access & Collections 

Portfolio Educators should Log in to TeachAll by Friday, January 16. The following should be noted: 

• A State Single Sign-On is required to access the platform.
• To receive State SSOs, educators may reach out to:
  • District Portfolio Lead, Floresha Smith or
  • Subject/Grade Specific Content Advisors
• Content Advisors
  • Physical Education-Jeremiah Bland or Jim Harbin
  • Visual Arts and Theater-Jennifer Shiberou
  • World Language-Patrick Fraser
  • General Music-Bethany Mayahi
  • Secondary Music and Dance-Dena Vaughan
  • Pre-K-Christopher Spratlin
• Additional information about platform access may be found on page 4 of the ​ ​TNPortfolio-Teacher-Manual-2025.pdf

For questions about TEAM Student Growth Portfolios, please email smithf2@scsk12.org.

We are excited about 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. 

See the attachment for more session details: January Leadership Labs (Luckett and Bates) (1).docx

Dear Principals,

We are excited to announce the relaunch of Teacher Learning Labs beginning January 2026. These labs represent a strategic shift toward individualized instructional support at each school location and are designed to provide teachers with high-quality, district-aligned professional learning that is immediately actionable in the classroom.

Key Shifts in Support:

• Individualized Model: Transitioning to localized, consistent professional learning environments led by Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) members.
• ILT-Led Facilitation: ILT Leads will serve as primary facilitators for Teacher Labs, modeling effective lesson delivery and internalization.
• Daily Instructional Support Hour: Teachers will have access to a dedicated virtual hour for “just-in-time” curriculum and planning assistance.
• Focus on Impact: Labs will emphasize data-driven instruction, questioning protocols, equity monitoring, and small-group strategies aligned to district priorities.

Implementation Timeline:

• ILT Support Session: January 8, 2026
• Office Hours for Redelivery Support: Week of January 12, 2026
• Redelivery Window: January 20–30, 2026

Support Windows for Daily Instructional Hour:

• High School: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
• Middle School: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
• Elementary: 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Success Indicators:

• Increased teacher confidence in curriculum implementation (via pulse surveys)
• High engagement in daily support sessions
• Consistent, high-quality facilitation across all Regional Teacher Labs

We appreciate your partnership in encouraging teacher participation in these opportunities. For questions or additional information, please contact ILTstipends@scsk12.org.

Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting high-quality instruction across our district.

Performance & Leadership Development Team

Principals,

We are preparing for our annual Summer Learning Academy (SLA) and Promotional Summer School programs. These programs will offer promotion and enrichment opportunities for 10,000+ students in grades PreK-12.

If you are interested in your school serving as a site for the Summer Learning Academy or Summer School, complete the survey below by Monday, January 26, 2026. To ensure that all students have access to the programs, please note that final sites will be selected based on geographic location and building availability according to the summer maintenance schedule.

Survey: Summer Learning Academy and Summer School 2026 – Fill out form

If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie McClain (mcclainsl@scsk12.org) or Denise Swan (swand@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.

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>.

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!

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!