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’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!

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.

We will soon be approaching prom season, and we want to ensure that our teams are prepared to support your schools in providing safe and positive experience for our students. To assist with next steps, please use link provided below to share information about your school’s prom (e.g., date, time, location) to be shared with appropriate teams. This is information is requested by Friday, March 6, 2026. 

Recommendations: 

• Send out a reminder with prom expectations, dress code, transportation guidance, and event details.
• Share reminders around healthy decision-making (e.g., via announcements or advisory) and consider encouraging families to talk with their students about prom safety.
• Confirm staff and volunteer roles for chaperones, check-in tables, and emergency response.
• Ensure your security and emergency plans are finalized and shared with all key staff and/or chaperones.

Link to Prom Information Form (Due 3/6/26): https://forms.office.com/r/hW1y8fcRH0 

We have also received communication from our partners at Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) regarding their underage drinking presentation to the students and/or families at your school/community organization in efforts to end impaired driving, prevent underage drinking and to help them protect themselves and others. If you are interested, please sign-up online and/or contact our Tennessee representative Nakya Young at 615.360.8055 ext.4754 and Nakya.Young@madd.org.

Thank you for all the work you’re doing to make prom an inclusive, enjoyable, and memorable event for our students.

Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Erin Y. Luster <lusterey@scsk12.org>.

The deadline to complete NIE Mid-Year Conferences has been extended to February 27, 2026.

As a reminder: 

• 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.

Principals, please ensure all portfolio educators log into their TeachAll Account to select their collections and submit their Point A and B Submissions before the 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, deadline.  

 Educators must use their state single sign on to log into the platform.  If educators are unsure of their State SSO ending in @tneducation.net they may reach out to: 

District Portfolio Lead, Floresha Smith  

Subject/Grade Specific Content Advisors listed below: 

• 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  

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. 

The deadline to complete 60% of all TEM Observations is March 27. School Administrators (Principals, VP, and APs) and District Leaders may access their school's data using the following link: 

Evaluation KPI Dashboard SY2025-2026 

Questions? Contact the Evaluation and Satisfaction office by phone, at 901.416.2475 or via email at eps@scsk12.org. 

The deadline to complete TEM New Observer Certification is Tuesday, March 31.  New Observers can complete certification through the Canvas Self-Paced course. Course numbers and date information can be found HERE.   

For questions or support, please reach out to eps@scsk12.org. 

Professionalism accounts for 5% of an educator’s LOE. Containers are open for teacher artifact uploads and must be completed and signed by both the educator and administrator.

Deadlines:
• Teacher self-score and artifact uploads: April 24, 2026
• EOY and Professionalism conferences: May 13, 2026

New MSCS educators and those seeking a review of the Professionalism process are encouraged to attend Completing the Professionalism Component of the TEM Framework SY25–26.

Register in PLZ using Course #48775.

Contact Employee Performance & Support at (901) 416-2475 or eps@scsk12.org for assistance.

The Spring Administration of the Student Perception Survey window will run March 3 – March 13.

Site Coordinators should use this ​link​ to access SPS resources.

For assistance during survey administration, please email:

• Panorama Support-support+shelbycounty@panoramaed.com
• District SPS Lead, Chiquita Allen-Bradley-allenbradleyc@scsk12.org.

Join the Panorama team for the last session of Understanding Student Perception Results for School Administrators. This training will equip school leaders with the tools to interpret fall data with clarity and respond strategically. Register today in PLZ.

Location: Microsoft Teams
PLZ Course: #48824
Date: February 19
Time: 8 a.m.

For questions or support, contact the District SPS Lead, Chiquita Allen-Bradley.

Greetings Leaders,

The second semester demands our best, and we are here to walk alongside you. Our February Leadership Lab lineup is officially open for the third week of the month! These sessions are crafted with one goal in mind: building the capacity of the leaders who support you every day.

We are diving deep into the essentials that define school culture and academic growth: Data-Driven Decision Making.

Next Steps for Your Team: Please encourage your leadership teams and teacher leaders to register via PLZ using the section codes below. Let’s provide them with the collaborative space they need to master the instructional strategies that will define our success this spring.

February Leadership Details: 

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

Performance and Leadership Development 

Attention All Principals

As we continue striving for excellence in teaching and learning, we are pleased to share important updates regarding upcoming Instructional Leadership Team Support Sessions and stipend deadlines.

ILT Support Sessions are mandatory for ILT members to receive their stipends. These sessions are designed to elevate teacher support and expand teacher instructional delivery within your schools. 

Our next ILT Support Session will take place on February 19, 2026 at the Teaching & Learning Academy.

Session Times (by grade band):

• 3–4 p.m. – High Schools, CCTE Schools (Auditorium)
• 3:30–4:30 p.m. – Middle Schools (Multipurpose Room)
• 4:30–5:30 p.m. – Elementary Schools, K–8 Schools (Auditorium)

Fall 2025 ILT Stipend Cycle II for ILT members that did not receive stipends in December 2025 will be processed and disbursed on February 27, 2026. This stipend will reflect Instructional Leadership Team Content Leaders contributions during the Fall 2025 semester.

Documentation Deadlines

As a reminder, May 8, 2026 is the deadline to submit Spring 2026 ILT documentation to iltstipends@scsk12.org. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at the email address above.

February Leadership Development Week is February 23–26, 2026

Monthly Theme: Greatness Is Built in Daily Discipline

Suggested Attire: Shades of Red

Join us for four dynamic days dedicated to building leadership capacity across our district. Each day is intentionally designed to support and develop specific leadership roles. We look forward to you joining us on your designated day below:

Monday, February 23: PLC Coaches/Instructional Facilitators Day

Tuesday, February 24: Principals Day

Wednesday, February 25: Assistant Principals/Dean of Students Day

Thursday, February 26: Professional School Counselors Day

*PLC Coaches/Instructional Facilitators Appreciation Day: On February 23, 2026, we will celebrate the impact that our coaches/facilitators make each day toward advancing academic achievement. 

Please review the 2/9/26 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

Third-grade students will complete the Pearson aimswebPlus Benchmark March 30-April 10 as a part of the Literacy Commitment requirements.  There are no changes to administration this year from last year, but if there are new teachers and support staff who will be supporting please ask that they either review the TDOE asynchronous offering in on demand webinar list Grade 3 Spring Benchmark Administration 2024-25 or join the MSCS virtual offering by registering in PLZ#48613.

The next Memphis Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics meeting will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Memphis University School from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. 

We will be holding a series of roundtable discussions on a myriad of topics pertaining to mathematics and mathematics education. 

The following roundtables will be held:

• Calculators in the Math Classroom
• Learning Math by Talking: Mathematical Discourse as Instruction
• Standardized Test Prep (TACP, MAP, SAT, ACT, etc.)
• Standards-Based Learning
• Project-Based Learning in the Math Classroom
• Interesting Devices in my Math Classroom
• Fun with Quadratics: How do you use them in your classes?
• Department Chairs Roundtable: Let's Share Ideas!

To attend, please register at the link below:

MACOTOM Roundtable Event Registration 2.28.26

Yearly dues ($15) will be collected at this meeting. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Antronette C. Brown at brownac@scsk12.org for any questions.

Perennial Math is hosting an upcoming onsite math tournament in Memphis at Lakeland Preparatory School on February 21, 2026. Find more detailed information using the link above. For any additional information, contact Antronette C. Brown at brownac@scsk12.org.

 

The ELPA21 Summative testing window opened on February 2, 2026!  All testing devices to be used for the administration of the ELPA21 Summative must be updated to the latest version of the Secure Browser. Please ensure that all devices are updated before the testing window opens on February 2.  

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.  

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 Q3 ESL Data Meeting Template can be found ​​​​​here.​​​​​ For questions, reach out to Melissa Basel, delahuntym@scsk12.org.  

Multilingual Family Nights are required to be held twice per year, preferably one per semester, and attendance must be recorded. PowerPoint presentations are available in multiple languages in the ESL Teacher SharePoint. For questions or additional support, please contact the Office of Multilingual Learners at 901-416-5411. 

We are pleased to inform you that the district is now using a new interpretation service for oral communication with families, RTT Mobile Interpretation. This service provides live interpretation support for phone calls and includes a dedicated hotline for Spanish as well as a separate hotline for all other languages. 

All staff will use the same 5-digit access code, 20050, when accessing this service. Instructions for utilizing RTT Mobile Interpretation are outlined below for your reference. 

Please follow the instructions to access an interpreter: 

DIAL: 

Spanish Hotline: 866-218-2224 

Multi-language Hotline: 888-218-3544 

PROVIDE: District ID 83893 followed by #  

PROVIDE: 5- digit access code assigned -20050 and # 

Please remember to only use the district-approved interpretation and translation service or in-person interpreters. Even when families bring an interpreter to meetings, we must provide either our telephonic interpretation service (RTT Mobile Interpretation) or an in-person interpreter.

February 13--District Learning Day (ESL)--Virtual

March 25--ELPA21 Summative Assessment Window Closes  

May 25--ELPA21 Summative & ALT ELPA Assessment Scores Released 

Greatness Grows Here.

Office of Enrollment-Attendance-Truancy 

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 opened 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 March 24, 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

PSSP Training Rollover and SARB Updates

• All participants who were registered for the January 29 PSSP Training in PLZ will be automatically rolled over to the next training session scheduled for February 12. 
• All SARB meetings that were scheduled during the recent winter weather event will be rescheduled. We are asking participating schools to support this adjustment and allow time for the meetings to be reconvened.
• Attendance teams are asked to check PowerSchool for any absences submitted by parents. During SARB meetings, we are continuing to share guidance with parents on the proper steps for notifying schools of any pending absences.

Upcoming Dates and Meetings

Master Scheduling Overview and PowerScheduler training with High School Master Scheduling Teams (Principals, Master Schedulers, Counselors, etc.) is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th from 8 AM to12 PM in the MSCS COE Auditorium (160 Glenn Rogers Sr. Street, Memphis, TN 38112). Please bring a fully charged laptop.

Coming Soon:

• As part of the monthly MSCS Compass Updates newsletter, the DAIM team will start publishing a new Empowering Your Data Story report to promote Power BI usage. This report will highlight schools that go above and beyond in their use of Power BI and the MSCS Compass. You can find more information about this campaign here.

Report Updates:

• Data for the 5th 20-Day period is available in the Show Up for Greatness report. Click here to see the user guide for this report.
   
• State Accountability Chronically Out of School rates for the 2024-2025 school year and AMO targets are available. You will find them in the District 360 dashboard. See the user guide here.

---------------------------- 

Upcoming Training Sessions:

This week, Virtual Office Hours will be on the Advanced Course Scheduling Dashboard.

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

---------------------------- 

We now have two new dashboard specific trainings available. 

Each month, we will have a training session on the High School Progress Dashboard (Course Code 49628 in PLZ) and on the Student Discipline Dashboard (Course Code 49629 in PLZ). Sign up today!

---------------------------- 

Check out our Training Calendar for all upcoming District Trainings.

---------------------------- 

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.
---------------------------- 

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.   

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 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