Exceptional Education: A Path to Success: The Department of Exceptional Education is having our Exceptional Education Institute - "Exceptional Education: A Path to Success".  There are opportunities for exceptional educators to present, network, and speak with vendors. Join us! 

Saturday, February 28, 2026

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Colonial Middle School 

Register in PLZ. The course code is 48417 . 

A stipend will be provided for MSCS Exceptional Educators. 

For questions or more information, please contact Erika Williams (williamsem@scsk12.org) or call 416-0625.

Principals, please review the 2/23 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

MSCS employees can review the iReady MOY resources here when logged into their MSCS account.  Questions can be sent to RTI2@scsk12.org.

Curriculum Associates shared four reports during iReady MOY Data Digs. There are helpful video clips and/or reference sheets that are recommended to get the most current information based on the Winter Diagnostic. You also can leverage the TN Standards Report.

Log in to iReady to access the links below.

• How to Use the Instructional Groupings Report
• How to View the Grade Level Planning (Prerequisites) Report
• Using the Grade Level Planning (Scaffolding) Report
• Monitoring Personalized Instruction (student level)

High Schools will screen students identified at risk on the Early Warning System using iReady Diagnostic between March 30-April 10. The Early Warning System is found in PowerBi under the RTI2A Dashboard Reports. Schools should begin planning on which dates they will administer screeners. Information with upcoming training opportunities were provided to MTSS Leads on 2/23.  Questions can be sent to RTI2@scsk12.org.

The Grade 3 aimswebPlus Spring Benchmark Testing Window is open from March 30-April 10. Schools should begin to plan their schedule for Grade 3 Pearson aimswebPlus testing with the reminder that teacher of record cannot administer the assessment to students. Please plan to administer the assessment over several days to reduce test fatigue. 

This assessment requires three subtests (ORF, VOC, and RC) be completed in order to generate a composite score and to be considered for one of the pathways for promotion according to the Literacy Success Act.  Failure to complete all three subtests will remove this pathway option from consideration.  

Questions regarding Literacy Commitment can be emailed to literacycommitment@scsk12.org and questions regarding Grade 3 aimswebPlus administration can be emailed to rti2@scsk12.org .

• The Exemption Application must be completed for all 3rd grade students.
• Any student with a current IEP that includes reading goals may be considered for an exemption from the Literacy Commitment retention expectations.
• The IEP must be current at the time the exemption is submitted.
• Principals may access the Exemption Application using the direct link below:

Student Screening Data Literacy Commitment Third Grade - Power Apps

Literacy Commitment Leads Weekly Office Hours

• Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 10-11 a.m.

Thank you for your attention to these important steps to ensure compliance and accuracy in the exemption process. 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is launching Teaching Channel access for Specialized Education Assistants (SEAs) to provide structured, high-quality professional learning aligned to their critical role in supporting students. Teaching Channel is a comprehensive professional learning platform that provides educators with access to more than 2,200 classroom videos, 65+ asynchronous courses, and tools for video-based coaching and reflection. Designed to support job-embedded growth, the platform helps educators strengthen instructional practice through flexible, high-quality learning aligned to district priorities.

Through this initiative, SEAs will:

• Receive full access to the Teaching Channel platform
• Complete asynchronous professional learning modules
• Participate in live professional learning sessions on April 6 and May 29
• Select one of two focused cohort tracks:
  • Literacy-Focused Cohort: This learning will strengthen SEAs’ understanding of the Science of Reading and provide practical strategies to improve word recognition, language comprehension, and overall reading proficiency. Participants will explore Scarborough’s Reading Rope, evidence-based comprehension practices, and explicit instructional approaches that build background knowledge, vocabulary, and text understanding. SEAs will leave with clear, actionable tools to confidently support developing readers.
  • Targeted Instructional Strategies-Focused Cohort: This learning will equip SEAs with high-impact instructional practices that increase engagement and support learning across content areas. Participants will examine research-based strategies grounded in the science of learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive practices, including an emphasis on supporting neurodiverse learners. SEAs will strengthen their ability to create responsive learning environments that meet the needs of all students.

SEAs are encouraged to consult with their school administrator to determine which cohort track best aligns with their role and school priorities.

A virtual kickoff meeting will be held on March 5, with three session options available: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm. Administrators are asked to support SEA participation and encourage attendance at one of the kickoff sessions.

Additional registration details will be shared directly with SEAs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Amy Maples at MAPLESA@scsk12.org or Mrs. Heba Sammour at SAMMOURH@scsk12.org or call 901-416-4764.

The testing window is now open!  Although the weather prevented us from starting when the window opened on February 2, the closing date of March 25 will remain. 

Test security walkthroughs will be occurring throughout the testing window by ESL Advisors.  Please be sure your BTC has shared the most up to date testing schedule with your ESL Advisor.  

All Multilingual Learners assigned a failing grade in Q3 are required to have documentation of scaffolds and accommodations per their ILP uploaded to ELLevation by April 1, 2026. The teacher who assigned the failing grade should provide this documentation to the ESL Teacher to be uploaded. 

The window to complete monitoring forms for Q3 is February 25 and closes on March 11.  All content teachers who teach students who are classified as English Learners are required to complete monitoring forms in ELLevation.   

March 11 – ESL March Monthly Meeting 

March 25 – ELPA21 Summative Assessment Window Closes   

May 25 – ELPA21 Summative & ALT ELPA Assessment Scores Released

The testing window is open!  Although the weather prevented us from starting when the window opened on February 2, the closing date of March 25 will remain. 

Test security walkthroughs will be occurring throughout the testing window by ESL Advisors.  Please be sure your BTC has shared the most up to date testing schedule with your ESL Advisor.  

All Multilingual Learners assigned a failing grade in Q3 are required to have documentation of scaffolds and accommodations per their ILP uploaded to ELLevation by April 1, 2026. The teacher who assigned the failing grade should provide this documentation to the ESL Teacher to be uploaded. 

The window to complete monitoring forms for Q3 is February 25 and closes on March 11.  All content teachers who teach students who are classified as English Learners are required to complete monitoring forms in ELLevation.   

www.ellevationeducation.com 

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.  

March 11 – ESL March Monthly Meeting 

March 25 – ELPA21 Summative Assessment Window Closes   

May 25 – ELPA21 Summative & ALT ELPA Assessment Scores Released  

Please complete the following survey to ensure we have all your AP and Pre-AP course and section requests completed: New AP and/or Pre-AP Courses – Fill out form (Due. March 13th). 

ATTENTION PRINCIPALS: ILT WEEKLY UPDATES

The next ILT Support Session will occur on February 26, 2026 as a Virtual Meeting by grade band content and will focus on Data Comparison of CFA 1 and CFA 2. The Virtual Meeting Sessions will occur at the following times:

High School/CCTE Support Session-3:00 Pm-4:00 PM

Middle School Support Session-3:30 PM-4:30 PM

Elementary School Support Session-4:30 PM-5:30 PM

*Elementary Social Studies ILT Content Leads will attend the Elementary ELA session.

*High School CCTE ILT Content Leads will attend either (Math, ELA, Social Studies, or Science Sessions based on the needs that best support their school achievement.

As a reminder, the Spring ILT Stipend Deadline is May 8, 2026. All documentation need to be submitted to scsiltstipends@scsk12.org as (1) comprehensive scanned pdf document . If you have any questions, please contact the email above for support.

🚀Accelerate Your Impact: The March Leadership Lab Series

Attention Principals and Visionary Leadership Teams!

As we move into the final stretch of the academic year, the stakes for leadership excellence have never been higher. We are not just maintaining; we are elevating. We are thrilled to invite you to our March Leadership Lab lineup, specifically designed to sharpen your operational precision and strengthen your school’s culture.

This month, we are moving beyond theory into Actionable Mastery. We are focusing on the two vital systems that protect your instructional core: Strategic Fiscal Stewardship and Advanced Collaborative Discipline.

🗓️ March Schedule & PLZ Registration

The momentum doesn’t stop! Secure your team’s spots now to ensure your leadership remains at the forefront of district innovation.

Why These Sessions Matter Now:

· Resolve Complexity: Turn student behavior challenges into opportunities for restoration and growth using high-leverage district tools.

· Master the Budget: Gain the fiscal confidence needed for SBB (Student-Based Budgeting) to ensure your resources are perfectly aligned with your 2026-2027 vision.

Don’t just lead; pioneer. Log into PLZ today to register your team and continue our collective journey toward instructional and operational excellence.

Performance and Leadership Development

Empowering Leaders. Transforming Schools.

Principals, please ensure all portfolio educators log into their TeachAll Account.  The deadline for Portfolio submissions is 5pm Friday, May 8.  

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 State is seeking a maximum of 100 peer reviewers to score approximately 15,000 portfolio collections to give non-tested teachers an individual growth score as part of their LOE score.   

The number of peer reviewers needed is based on the number of collections submitted from districts across the state. Peer reviewers are paid at a rate of $20.00 per collection scored plus $50.00 for attending two (2) required trainings.   

Candidates must:   

• Have demonstrated content area, grade level, instructional experience and effectiveness;  
• Be detail-oriented and demonstrate a rich understanding of Tennessee’s academic standards;  
• Be familiar with scoring student work;  
• Be comfortable using and have access to technology;  
• Be able to articulate confidence in the portfolio model to demonstrate student growth;  
• Be available to conduct peer reviews throughout the three-week scoring window;  
• Commit to confidentiality; and  
• Preferred: Be an active user in the TNPortfolio Platform.  

(Additional information about the Request for Applications may be found   here  .)  

If interested, please complete the application and all requirements of the solicitation no later than 5 PM CT, March 25, 2026. Please direct any questions to Tracy Riddle, the solicitation coordinator:  

Tracy Riddle | Director of Educator Effectiveness   

Office of Academics Andrew Johnson Tower, 9th Floor   

710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243 (629) 203-2005   

Tracy.D.Riddle@tn.gov  

The updated 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 EPS by phone,  901.416.2475 or via email  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.  

The Spring Student Perception Survey administration window is March 3-13, 2026.

Site Coordinators may access all SPS materials and implementation resources using this ​​​link.​​​

For real-time support during survey administration, contact:
• Panorama Support: support+shelbycounty@panoramaed.com
• District SPS Lead, Chiquita Allen-Bradley: allenbradleyc@scsk12.org

Professionalism represents 5% of an educator’s Level of Effectiveness (LOE) score. Artifact containers are currently open for submission. Professionalism containers must be finalized and locked by both the educator and the administrator to generate a LOE.

Key Deadlines:
• Teacher self-assessment and artifact submission: April 24, 2026
• End-of-Year and Professionalism conferences: May 13, 2026

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

New MSCS educators and those seeking a review of Professionalism 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 extended deadline to complete all NIE Mid-Year Conferences is February 27.

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.

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

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 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

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 Screenings.pdf

Please view Immunization Plan with updated data as of February 20th.

Immunization Plan 2025-2026: Immunizations Report 2.27.pdf

Medication Training Information: Medication Training 2.27.pdf

Physical Activity Compliance:

As communicated through the CUFD, the Physical Activity Compliance Report from the Department of Education will be open in ePlan from January 26 through March 13. Building principals are responsible for submitting data for their school related to the 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 2.27.pdf

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

Physical Activity ePlan User Access: ePlan User Access_PAComp_2026_Principals.pdf

CDC School Health Profiles questionnaires:

The CDC School Health Profiles questionnaires will arrive via inter-office mail in the first week of March. These surveys monitor school health policies and practices and are conducted every two years by the CDC. You will receive: 1 Principal Questionnaire and 1 Lead Health Education Teacher Questionnaire. Profiles collect information on health education, PE, nutrition policies, safety, and student wellness. Important: Return all completed forms to Denise Garrison by April 15, 2026.