Attention Elementary Leaders, 1st- through 3rd-Grade Teachers, and Librarians! 

MSCS is very excited to announce our continued partnership with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) K-3 Home Library Program.  This is a FREE book delivery program for students and schools! Please note that over the summer, grade-specific mini libraries along with correlating activity cards will be shipped to our current K-2 students' homes.  Elementary schools will receive copies of the high-quality texts in May to distribute to next year's 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-grade teachers.  Additionally, school librarians should receive copies of all grade-level books. To learn more about the K-3 Home Library Program, check out the one-pager linked ​here​ that includes a list of the titles that will be delivered for each grade level. 

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org 

Long link to the 1-pager in case there are issues with the hyperlink. 

​https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/harrisonjr_scsk12_org/IQCLHar5xgE5TZgbO32_P8kJAUEOBCAz1TXQCpsk73AmHTo?e=UhAKu8​ 

Greetings, Literacy Commitment Lead,

Please view the upcoming meeting dates as well as the schedule for the Literacy Commitment Open Office hours.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
 

Curious about what’s inside the SAVVAS Science Kits delivered to your campuses earlier this year? 
We’ve got you covered! Click the video link below for a quick walkthrough of the kits and discover how each kit is designed to help bring science learning to life for your students.

Every student K-8 has access to hands-on materials that make scientific concepts engaging, interactive, and meaningful. You may also notice blue cards in some of your kits, these are vouchers for FREE live specimens! Simply submit them to your campus textbook coordinator, who will take care of ordering them for you.

Let’s make science come alive in every classroom!

Please include any links to any attachments within your message. 

Unpacking Elevate Science Lab Kits.pptx (1).mp4​​

Questions contact: 

K-5: Mrs. Micah Thomas; Thomasd1@scsk12.org

6-8: Mr. Charles Hayes; hayesce@scsk12.org

K-12: Ms. Terilyn McChriston-Manager; mcchristontj@scsk12.org 

Please review the 2/2/26 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

Attention Principals and Leadership Teams!

As we accelerate into the heart of Semester 2, we are thrilled to announce our February Leadership Lab lineup! These sessions are purposefully crafted to empower you and your leadership teams with high-leverage strategies and collaborative solutions for the critical work ahead.

This month, we are diving deep into Lesson Internalization and Data-Driven Decision Making – the two pillars that will drive instructional excellence across our campuses this spring.

🗓️ February Schedule & PLZ Registration

Don't wait to secure your team’s spots! Please ensure your leaders register in PLZ using the specific section codes below to begin their journey toward enhanced instructional support.

February Leadership Details: 

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:f9f35121-047c-4de9-ad4e-8f0fc1ffd3c4

Performance and Leadership Development 

Dear Colleagues,

We are so impressed by the commitment you’ve shown to your professional growth this semester! To support your continued dedication and ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully engage with our high-impact modules, we have some exciting news:

The deadline for the Canvas Flex Day course has been officially extended to February 20!

We know how hard you are working to maintain high standards of instructional practice, and we want to ensure you have the space to dive deep into these learning materials without the rush.

What You Need to Know:

• New Deadline: February 20
• Platform: Access your modules via Canvas as usual.
• Support: Our team is standing by! If you need a hand with the course or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your incredible service to our students and for always leaning into your own development. Let’s keep this momentum going!

In Partnership,

The Performance and Leadership Development Team

Free Student Health Screenings

Free health screenings will be provided at the school for all students. The screenings will include:

• Height and Weight
• Vision
• Hearing
• Blood Pressure
• Scoliosis

Parents who wish for their child to participate must scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the sign-up process. 

Health Screening Flyer: English&Spanish Consent Flyer.pdf

Health Screening Calendar: Semester 2 Principal Screening Schedule 25-26.xlsx

Immunizations

ShotRX is partnering with schools to provide required immunizations for students. Parents may register their child by scanning the QR code provided on the flyer. Upon completion of registration, ShotRX will coordinate with the school to schedule an onsite immunization date.

ShotRX Flyer: ShotRx English and Spanish flyer.pdf

School- Based Health Clinics

MSCS provides access to two school-based health clinics available to all students. These clinics are located at East High School and Sheffield CTC and operate Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

School-Based Health Clinic Flyer: SBC English and Spanish Flyer with QR Code.pdf

Promoting free health screenings to students and parents is essential to supporting student success and family well-being.

Decline in School Health Screening: Decline in Health Screening.pdf

Please view Immunization Plan with updated data as of January 23.

Immunization Plan 2025-2026: Immunization Plan 25-26.pdf

As communicated through the CUFD, the Physical Activity Compliance Report from the Department of Education will be open in ePlan January 26 through February 27. Building principals are responsible for submitting data for their school related to integration of K-12 physical activity integration into the academic school day as well as physical education requirements for elementary students.

Guidance for completing this brief report is available on the ePlan homepage, as well as user access forms should you not have access to our district, and a link to office hours every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. CST, 10:30-11:30 a.m. EST.

Physical Activity Compliance Report: PA Compliance Report.pdf

Physical Activity Compliance Guidance: FY26 PA Compliance Guidance Principals.pdf

Physical Activity ePlan User Access: ePlan User Access_PAComp_2026_Principals.pdf

The School Climate Survey for 2025-26 will be administered to all District-managed schools February 12-20 this year. Students in Grades 3-12 should participate. Parent informed consent is required; forms are currently available to parents in Ecollect. Please encourage parents of students in grades 3-12 to log in to the Parent Portal and sign the consent form. More information, including an option to collect paper consent forms, can be found in the Principal Advisory here.

We are preparing for our annual Spring Break Learning Academy. The SBLA will offer enrichment for 3,000 students in grades K-8. Elementary and Middle school students will receive additional instruction in ELA, Math, Art, Physical Activity, and STEM.

To ensure accurate enrollment and staffing, parents should enroll students themselves unless there are mitigating circumstances. If a school must assist a parent with enrollment, ensure the parent has agreed that the student will attend the academy.

Please assist in messaging this learning opportunity to your families through your school-based communication platforms. Our goal is to have all 3,000 seats filled for this wonderful educational opportunity. Below you will find a flyer that can be shared on all parent communication outlets.

Spring Break Learning Academy

· Academy Dates: Monday, March 16, 2026 - Wednesday, March 18, 2026

· Registration: Monday, February 2, 2026 - Monday, March 2, 2026

· Limited Spaces Available (3,000)

· Free for K-8 MSCS Students

· Reading, Math, Science, Art & P.E. for K-8 Students (8 A.M.- 3 P.M.)

· Extended Day for Elementary and Middle Schools

· Camps in Every Community 

· Flyers: Spring Break Learning Academy Flyers 

· Register at: http://www.scsssla.org/SBLA

Employee Application Period: Monday, February 2, 2026 - Monday, March 2, 2026

We want to celebrate the great work happening across our schools during Black History Month! If your school is planning programs, activities, contests, displays, or special readings or assignments, we’d love to hear about them. Please take a moment to complete the form linked below by Friday, February 13, to share details about your celebrations. The information collected will be shared with our Communications team to help highlight and amplify this important work across the District.

Link to Share: Black History Month Celebrations 2026 – Fill out form

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 Thursday, February 12, 2026, Memphis-Shelby County K–8 schools will join the Sandy Hook Foundation to observe No One Eats Alone Day, in partnership with Project STAND and supported by Sandy Hook SAVE clubs. This day of action promotes connection, inclusion, and belonging in our school cafeterias.

During lunch on February 12, please ensure every student is sitting with someone, reinforcing positive student ATTITUDE. Schools are encouraged to share participation on social media using #NoOneEatsAloneDay, #NoOneEatsAlone, #NoOneEatsAloneMemphis, #ProjectSTANDMSCS, or tagging @mscsprojectstand on Instagram.

Social isolation can lead to bullying and disengagement. By creating intentional opportunities for connection, this initiative helps foster a safer, more empathetic school climate where every student feels valued.

Student leadership is central to this effort. Schools are encouraged to empower students to lead activities such as:

• Stand Up & Sit In Lunchroom Bingo to help students find common ground
• Recipe for Empathy to define values that support an inclusive culture
• Chat Chair Student Ambassadors to welcome peers and spark conversation

By placing leadership in students’ hands, we are cultivating compassionate leaders and strengthening school culture across MSCS.

Thank you for your continued commitment to ensuring that in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, no one eats alone.

For additional information and resources use the following link to register your day with the Sandy Hook Foundation!

No One Eats Alone Day — Sandy Hook Promise

Quick Start No One Eats Alone (NOEA) Day 2026 Digital Materials

If you plan to participate, please complete this link: https://forms.office.com/r/M9NsN26HAQ

If you wish to register your school as a SAVE Promise Club, use the following link!

SAVE Promise Club — Sandy Hook Promise

We are currently seeking talented and motivated students to participate in the NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) competition, and we would love your help identifying potential competitors.

ACT-SO is a nationally recognized program that provides students with the opportunity to showcase their academic, artistic, and technical talents while gaining mentorship, enrichment, and scholarship opportunities. Students may compete in a wide range of categories, including STEM, humanities, visual and performing arts, and entrepreneurship.

If you know students who demonstrate strong skills, creativity, leadership, or passion in any area or students who may benefit from encouragement and exposure to this type of opportunity please consider sharing this opportunity and attached documents directly with them.

Additional details about participation, timelines, and support will be shared with interested students and advisors. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved, please follow-up with our local NAACP Memphis Branch at (901) 521-1343 or email sherry@naacpmemphis.org.

For more information, visit: https://naacp.org/our-work/youth-programs/act-so-achievement-program

Link to Application Materials (Due: March 20): NAACP ACT-SO Memphis

Thank you for all you do to support and uplift our students’ talents and aspirations.

Enrollment & School Choice

Announcement: 2026-27 School Choice Transfers

• We are gearing up for the 2026-27 School Choice Transfer season! Please share the following details to ensure our families are well-informed and prepared.

Key Date & Time

• The application portal officially opens: Tuesday, February 10, at 10 a.m.

How to Apply

• Website: Visit www.scsk12.org to access the portal.
• The portal is mobile-friendly and can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or computer.

 Who Needs to Apply?

• New Applicants: Any student seeking a transfer for the first time.
• Transitioning Students: Students moving to a new school level (e.g., rising 6th graders moving to Middle School or rising 9th graders moving to High School).
• Current Students: General Choice students staying at their current school (and in good standing) are all set – no reapplication is necessary.

Strategic Objectives & School Responsibilities

• The primary goal of the School Choice Transfer process is to Recruit, Retain, and Reclaim students within our district.
• School Engagement: Each school is responsible for hosting events and open houses to showcase their programs. This active outreach is vital to ensuring our current students stay in their buildings and that we are successfully bringing new families into our school community.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Mark Your Calendar: 2026-27 Registration Opens Soon! 

• Registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens in Spring 2026 for all new and returning students. Families can complete the process and update information via the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

 Administrative Actions

• Visibility: Post registration hours and instructions in highly visible areas and at all school entrances.
• Support Events: Schedule Registration Night(s) to assist families. Coordinate with the Office of Enrollment and Attendance if you require additional support.
• All Registration Team members are required to complete refresher training via PLZ.

For questions or enrollment support, contact Stacey Davis at daviss2@scsk12.org.

Attendance Monitoring

Attendance Policy: Coding Extenuating Absences

• Per Policy 6014 (Student Attendance and Truancy), absences resulting from extenuating circumstances beyond a student's control may be approved by the Superintendent or Principal. In these specific instances, please utilize attendance code E6 (Circumstances Approved by Principal)

Correctly Entering OSS Attendance in PowerSchool

• To ensure accuracy and compliance in student records, please adhere to the following guidelines when recording Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) attendance in PowerSchool:
  • Manual Coding Requirement: Only the first 1 to 10 days of an Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) should be manually coded in PowerSchool.
  • Mass Assignment Restriction: Schools must refrain from mass assigning future OSS attendance beyond the tenth (10th) day.

Show Up for Greatness: Attendance Monitoring and Recognition 

• Please note that our sixth 20-day school attendance period ends on February 24, 2026. 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.

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

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.

Upcoming Dates and Meetings

This form is required for all schools. Please list into PowerSchool the person responsible for entering clubs and afterschool activities. The extended deadline is Friday, February 20.  Afterschool Activities & Clubs PowerSchool Entry Form