September 11, 2026
Curriculum & Instruction 3
ElemMidHighAll Teachers
The 5E Instructional Model for Teachers and Instructional Leaders

This mini-PD walks through the five phases of the 5E science instructional model — Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. For each phase, we'll look at three things: Its purpose, what it looks and sounds like (teacher moves and student moves), and a short real-classroom video that shows them in action. https://canva.link/the5einstructionalmodelminilessonsept2026  
 
We will understand what it means during a walk-through from a teacher’s perspective and leaders’ perspective.  As well as understanding common missteps and how to overcome them.   
 
Directions: Allow the voiceover to play, then click the YouTube video to watch the 4- to 5-minute video (+ have quick debrief) = roughly 45-50 minutes total, plus 5-10 minutes for the closing discussion. 

Contact:  

Terilyn McChriston, Ed.S  

Curriculum and Instruction K-12 Science Manager 

mcchristontj@scsk12.org 


 

All AdministratorsTeachers
New Social Studies Teacher Support – Information Needed

As part of our District's effort to support new and newly hired Social Studies teachers, we are asking building leaders to help us identify any teacher on your staff who is new to teaching Social Studies (0–3 years of experience) so that the District can provide targeted coaching and support visits. Please submit their name, school, grade level, years of experience, and email address using the form below: New Teacher Social Studies Support – Information Form. This information will allow our team to reach out directly and schedule support visits tailored to each teacher's needs. Thank you for helping us ensure our newest Social Studies teachers receive the resources and support they need to be successful.

Link: https://form.jotform.com/262384821623054

All Administrators
MTSS Lead Updates

Principals, here are the week of 9/8/26 MTSS Lead Weekly Updates.

Performance & Leadership Development 9
All Administrators
2026-27 TEAM Student Growth Portfolios

Fine Arts, Physical Education (2nd and 5th grades), Pre-K, and World Language (French and Spanish) educators will submit TEAM Student Growth Portfolios for SY2026-27. Please complete the TEAM Student Growth Portfolio Teacher Information form by Friday, September 25.

Questions or concerns? Please email eps@scsk12.org.

All Administrators
SY26-27 TEM New Observer Certification

The deadline to complete TEM New Observer Certification is Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Administrators pursuing TEM certification for the first time can register for the course below: 

Self-Paced Canvas Course PLZ Course #50074 OR 2-Day Virtual PLZ Course #50075 

For questions or support, please email eps@scsk12.org.

All Administrators
TEM TEACHer Training Series

The TEM TEACHer Training Series is open for ALL teachers. This series supports educators with identifying teacher and student actions that guide effective instruction at performance levels 3-5 of the TEACH indicators. 

Fall Sessions: 

  • Indicators 1 & 2: September 14, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Indicators 3 & 4: September 21, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Indicators 5, 6, & 7: October 5, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Register in PLZ, course #50609

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

All Administrators
Foundations of Professional Practice

The Office of Employee Performance and Support is excited to offer a new Professionalism Professional Development designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of the Professionalism component of the TEM evaluation framework. 

Foundations of Professional Practice, offered September 24, 2026, is intended for teachers who are new to the Professionalism Rubric or would benefit from a refresher. Participants will explore the rubric indicators, performance expectations, and examples of evidence and artifacts that demonstrate professional practice. 

Register today! 

  • PLZ Course#: 50664, Section: 92259

Questions? Please contact eps@scsk12.org. 

All Administrators
Student Perception Site Coordinator Designation

School leaders, please designate a Student Perception Survey Site Coordinator for your school by completing the Student Perception Site Coordinator Designation Form by Friday, September 11, 2026.

The designated coordinator will serve as the school’s primary point of contact and support survey communication, scheduling, technology preparation, participant verification, and participation monitoring throughout the fall survey administration.

Note: If a coordinator is not designated, the principal will receive coordinator communications.

Student Perception Site Coordinators will be required to attend a mandatory training session in October.  

All All
SY26-27 Evaluation Plans and Evaluation Tracks

All SY26-27 evaluation plans have rolled out successfully and are now available in PLZ.

For employees assigned to NIE or TEAM evaluation plans, an evaluator must be selected before the employee will appear in the evaluator's Staff Evaluation tab in PLZ. School leaders should monitor evaluator selections and follow up with staff members who have not yet completed this step. 

Evaluation Track Assignments

At the beginning of the school year, educators are assigned to one of two evaluation tracks:

Novice Track

Educators are assigned to the Novice Track if they:

  • Do not have a prior-year Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) score; or
  • Have missing or incomplete evaluation components from the previous year, including observations, professionalism, or student growth measures.

Proficient Track

Educators who are expected to generate a Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) score during the current school year are assigned to the Proficient Track.

New MSCS Educators with Pending Tennessee LOE Scores

If your school has educators who transferred from another Tennessee district and are expected to receive a SY25-26 LOE score, please encourage them to notify Employee Performance & Support once their score becomes available.

Upon verification of the score in TN Compass, EPS will update the educator's evaluation track, as appropriate.

Future Evaluation Track Adjustments

Evaluation tracks will be automatically updated in mid-January to reflect verified SY25-26 LOE scores.

School leaders may monitor updated track assignments through:

  • PLZ
  • Evaluation KPI Dashboard

Questions or Concerns

Please review evaluation plans and track assignments for your staff. If you identify discrepancies or have questions regarding an educator's evaluation plan or track assignment, contact Employee Performance & Support for assistance.

All Administrators
SY26-27 Growth & Achievement Selections

The SY26-27 Growth & Achievement selection window will be open in PLZ from September 11 through October 2, 2026.

School Leader Action Required

Building leaders should collaborate with teachers to ensure an achievement measure is selected that aligns as closely as possible to each educator's primary teaching assignment.

Please ensure:

  • All required Growth & Achievement selections are completed by October 2, 2026.
  • Educators receive support in identifying the most appropriate achievement measure.
  • Evaluators monitor completion progress throughout the selection window.

Guidance documents and step-by-step resources are available in PLZ under the Resources tab.

Need Assistance?

Employee Performance & Support is available to support schools throughout the selection process.

Phone: 901-416-2475
Email: Support-EPS@scsk12.org

All Administrators
SY2026-2027 Goal Setting Conference in PLZ

The NIE Goal Setting Conference is open in PLZ! 

IMPORTANT: NIE Employees will need to select their evaluator first, in order for the evaluator to have access to their NIE plan in PLZ. In addition, the evaluator must be NIE Certified.

View the flyer below for important information, key dates, and resources to help you get started. 

Goal Setting Conferences are due by October 23, 2026.

Questions? Contact EPS@scsk12.org

All AdministratorsCounselorsPLC Coaches
August Leadership Development Week Resource Folder

Leaders,

Thank you for your active engagement during Leadership Development Week. We appreciate your continued commitment to professional learning and leadership development across the District.

As a follow-up, please access the Leadership Development Week Resource Folder below for session materials, tools, and resources. This folder will serve as the central location for LDW resources throughout the year.

Leadership Development Week Resource Folder: Resource Folder for Leaders

For questions or additional support, please contact performanceandleadership@scsk12.org.

Thank you for your continued leadership and engagement.

Research & Performance Management 1
MSCS Compass Updates and New Releases

Highlighted Reports:

Coming Soon:

Student Attendance will soon include updated at-risk levels for Chronic Absenteeism. This will replace the High, Medium, and Low Risk levels currently available. The new levels will include: Less Than 10 Days Enrolled, Low Risk (attendance rates of 95.1-100%), Medium Risk (90.1-95%), High Risk (Recovery Possible) (90% or less, but there are enough days in the year left to recover), and High Risk (Recovery Not Possible) (90% or less, and there are not enough days in the year left to recover). This will be available in the Student Attendance dashboard and Student Snapshot.  For the Student Attendance user guides, click here.

----------------------------  

Upcoming Training Sessions: 

Virtual Office Hours this week (9/15 and 9/17) will be a review of the updated Chronic Absenteeism Risk Status business rules and metrics.

For more information on Virtual Office Hours, check outthis flyer! Sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.  on Microsoft Teams. 
----------------------------  

Check out our Training Calendar for all upcoming District Trainings. 

Dates Training Sign Up 

9/15,

9/17

Virtual Office Hours: Student Attendance: Chronic Absenteeism Risk Status UpdatesClick here to sign up. 
10/1New PLC Coach TrainingClick here to sign up.  
10/6Power BI: MSCS Compass New User Training  Click here to sign up.  
10/8Power BI: MSCS Compass Refresher Training  Click here to sign up.  

----------------------------  

Monthly Newsletter: 

Check your inbox! On the second 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), visitour 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.   

Virtual Schools 1
MidHigh AdministratorsCounselorsOther School Staff
In-Person Edgenuity Training to help support Grade Repair, Credit Recovery, and Credit Accrual

Learn the essentials of MSCS' new online curriculum, as well as how to enroll students, and run reports in Edgenuity. This session is recommended for PSCs, Graduation Coaches, and all District personnel who support students using Edgenuity for Grade Repair, Credit Recovery, Credit Accrual, or Homebound instruction. The VSOL Department is hosting multiple in-person trainings on Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15. Reference this flyer for training details and PLZ sign up information. 

(flyer link: https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/griffinrj_scsk12_org/IQBcYGKI_fVYQoiUwbowh5wAAY-zv7WxUoxmIFB-Sucz4X8?e=aHOrBQ )

 

Attendance & Discipline 1
All All
Office of Enrollment, Attendance & Truancy

Enrollment Procedures and Reminders

Reminder: Policy 6002 Revisions & Compliance

Please take a moment with your team to review the updated Policy 6002 guidelines:

  • General Choice Transfers: Ensure strict adherence to transfer rescission timing (end-of-semester only), mandatory written warning letter procedures, and review grounds for revoked transfers to protect due process.
  • Shared Residency: Confirm you have three valid address verification documents on file (excluding promotional mail) and that the required shared residency notice is prominently posted in your front office. Ensure administrative and front office staff are fully aligned with these requirements.

Homeschool Guidance for Families

  • Information & Inquiries: For questions regarding homeschooling options, parents can contact mscshomeschool@scsk12.org.
  • Ready to Apply: Families can submit their formal application directly through the MSCS Homeschool Application Portal.
  • Re-Enrolling in MSCS: Parents interested in re-enrolling students from homeschool back into the district can view the Re-Enrollment Information Flyer for details and next steps.

Kindergarten Enrollment & Eligibility Guide

  • Age Cut-off: Student must be 5 years old on or before August 15, 2026.
  • Registration Deadline: Per state law, new kindergarteners cannot be enrolled after the first 30 days of the school year (September 15, 2026).

Attendance Procedures and Reminders

  • As the school year progresses, driving daily attendance continues to be a key priority for our district. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to encourage regular attendance and support meaningful student engagement.
  • Our focus is to increase Average Daily Attendance (ADA), reduce Chronic Absenteeism, and lower truancy rates. Attendance Liaisons will collaborate with truancy prevention teams, RTI-B frameworks, and counseling services to address barriers early. Please explore the MSCS Student Attendance Pact Guide to see how students, families, and staff can team up to make every day count.

Partner with Our Office for Your Next Title I Meeting!

Elevate your upcoming Title I parent meeting with an engaging presentation on our new Attendance PACT. The Office of Attendance, Enrollment, and Truancy is eager to connect directly with your school community to highlight how daily, consistent attendance drives student success.

To schedule a presentation for your families, contact our team at studentservices@scsk12.org.

Action Required: Daily Attendance Compliance

Principals, accurate daily attendance tracking is critical to student safety, truancy monitoring, and our district compliance under MSCS Policy 6014. Please ensure your teaching staff follows these required procedures:

  • Teachers must submit attendance electronically in Power Teacher Pro within the first 10 minutes of every class period or homeroom.
  • Paper rosters or offline forms are strictly prohibited.
  • Office staff and attendance administrators must review and fully reconcile all daily attendance discrepancies before the end of the school day.
  • Daily record-keeping is a legal and district mandate. Unsubmitted or falsified attendance directly impacts state funding and places your school out of compliance.

Thank you for your leadership in keeping your building on track and maintaining 100% daily compliance across all classrooms.

District Advisory: EOY Planning & Senior Protocols (2026–2027)

Please review the following end-of-year timelines and protocols for the 2026–2027 school year. This early guidance is provided to help school leaders align master schedules, plan senior activities, and communicate attendance expectations to families well in advance.

1. Graduating Senior (GS) Protocol & Key Dates

  • The official last day of school for seniors is Monday, May 7, 2027.
  • The authorized window to utilize the GS (Graduating Senior) attendance code is May 10-20, 2027. This code will be applied for any seniors remaining in the building or completing requirements during this timeframe.
  • GS coding updates are managed exclusively by the Office of Enrollment, Attendance, and Truancy in PowerSchool. Schools must not make independent adjustments to ensure state reporting compliance.
  • Schools must maintain a logged schedule of all senior events. Any activities scheduled outside the May 10-20, 2027, authorized window will not qualify for GS designation.

2. Promotional Ceremonies & End-of-Year Celebrations

  • All promotional ceremonies (Kindergarten, 5th grade, and 8th grade) and end-of-year celebrations must be scheduled during the final week of school, beginning Monday, May 17, 2027.
  • School leaders must clearly communicate to families that daily attendance remains mandatory through the final day of school. Early disengagement is not permitted, as every instructional day is essential.

3. Attendance Compliance & Family Communication

  • Full-day instruction and daily attendance tracking remain mandatory through the final day of school. Early disengagement is not permitted.
  • Teachers must record daily attendance accurately in PowerSchool. Falsification of attendance records violates district policy and state law.
  • "Senior Skip Day" is strictly non-sanctioned; regular attendance is required of all students through their official end dates.
  • High school families (Grades 9-12) will receive automated calls and texts regarding student absences to reinforce real-time attendance tracking through the end of the year.

Action Item for Principals: Incorporate these key dates into your school calendar and parent handbooks. Families will receive a general summary of these expectations later in the school year.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Office of Enrollment, Attendance, and Truancy at 901-416-2989.

Student Withdrawal & No-Show Reminder

  • No-Show Withdrawals: Please clear all attendance entries before processing a no-show withdrawal, and backdate the exit date to August 3, 2026.
  • Ensure you select the correct exit code when withdrawing a student, and update any existing codes promptly to maintain accurate records.
  • Always include a detailed comment explaining the reason for the withdrawal.
  • For questions or guidance, reach out to our office at studentservices@scsk12.org.

Student Absence Form via PowerSchool Parent Portal

  • Encourage parents to regularly verify and update their contact details via the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
  • Parents can submit and track absence notifications directly from their mobile devices or computers using the Student Absence Form in the portal.
  • Attendance Pact Guide Infographic.pdf

"Show Up for Greatness" District Initiative

We are continuing the Show Up for Greatness initiative to support our regional service model and tiered interventions:

  • Tier 1: Show Up for Greatness
  • Tier 2: Everyday Counts
  • Tier 3: Be Present. Be Great.

Schools will continue using the Show Up for Greatness tracking application to monitor progress and log student supports. Supports must be logged for every 20-day period, with all entries recorded promptly at the end of each cycle.

Truancy Procedures and Reminders

Administrative Action Items

Digital Truancy Clearances

The MSCS Truancy Clearance process is officially moving online.

  • Families can submit clearance requests directly via a direct web link or QR code, streamlining the process and reducing campus paperwork.
  • Digital clearance posters featuring the link and QR code will arrive on campuses soon. Please display and share these resources with families as needed.

SART Meeting & Truancy Clearance Guidance

As we strengthen our attendance practices, please ensure schools and attendance teams hold SART meetings for all students with five (5) or more unexcused absences in PowerSchool.

When a student receives a Truancy Clearance to enroll, complete the following:

  • Conduct a SART meeting with the student and parent/guardian.
  • Complete the Parent Student Support Plan (PSSP).
  • Record the appropriate PSSP log entry in PowerSchool.

 Access the PowerSchool PSSP Step Sheet

These steps help us address absences, identify barriers, provide support, and accurately document our efforts to improve attendance. 

Reminder: Immediate Enrollment Under McKinney-Vento

Please ensure students and families experiencing housing instability are enrolled immediately, as required by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and district guidelines.

  • Allow the student to start school right away—do not delay enrollment for missing residency documents, transcripts, immunizations, or a Truancy Clearance.
  • Complete and submit the McKinney-Vento/Displaced Student Referral so the family receives support as quickly as possible.
  • A Truancy Clearance should never be used as a prerequisite or reason to delay enrolling a student.

If you have questions about eligibility or procedures, please contact Dr. Karen Ball-Johnson or the FACE/Special Populations team.

Student Support Services Resource Guide

Student Support Services Resource Guide

Please save and reference this guide to support your staff, students, and school community throughout the year:

Office of Student Support Services Resource Guide

School Services 2
All Administrators
Coordinated School Health

Please review the attached 2026-2027 Principals' Calendar for your scheduled Health & Wellness Day. The screenings include hearing, vision, height, weight, blood pressure, and scoliosis screenings for eligible students.

09.07.26.Principal Health Screening Calendar.pdf

If you have any questions regarding the schedule or the screening process, please contact the Health Promotions Department at 901-416-6432.

Immunization Plan

Please review the Immunization Plan for 2026-2027.

09.07.26.ImmunizationPlan.pdf

Handwashing Advisory

Please review the Handwashing Advisory for 2026-2027.

09.07.26.HandwashingAdvisory.26.27.pdf

Medication Training

Please review the Medication Training for 2026-2027.

09.07.26.MedicationTraining.pdf

CPR/AED/NARCAN Training

Please review the CPR/AED/NARCAN Training Flyer.

09.07.26.CPR.AED.Narcan Classes.pdf

School Care and Immunization Training

Please review the School Care and Immunization Training Flyer.

09.07.26.SchoolCareImmunizationTraining.pdf

Healthy Teams

Please review Healthy Teams for 2026-2027.

09.07.26.HealthyTeams.pdf

District Approved Medical Service Vendors

Please review the list of approved vendors.

09.07.26.DistrictApprovedMedicalServiceVendors.pdf

Assigned School Nurse Absence

Please review the information regarding assigned school nurses' absence.

09.07.26.Nursing.pdf

Physical Education Survey

09.07.26.PESurvey.pdf

All Administrators
Coordinated School Health

Please review the proper procedures for completing the Medical Emergency Log. The log must be completed and submitted by the last school day of each month.

Medical Emergency Based Logs Instructions.pdf

Student Experience 2
Student Council/Student Government Associations

Please be sure to review Student Government (Policy 6065).This policy applies to middle and high schools. ​

Each school shall establish an elected student council. The council shall be governed by its own constitution which shall be approved by the school principal. Defining the council’s jurisdiction shall be a joint and cooperative effort of the council, students, and the student government constitution.

Please provide the contact information for your school's Student Council or Student Government Association by Friday, September 25, 2026.

Sign-Up Link: MSCS Student Council and Student Government Advisors 2026-27 – Fill out form

PLZ Information Student Council Advisor Training | Student Government Association & Student Council Advisor Workshop

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Course #47247; Section # 92621

Location: Central High School 306 S. Bellevue Memphis, TN 38104

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Billy J. Walker, II <Walkerbj@scsk12.org>.

 

MSCS Student Leadership Workshop

The Office of Student Experience is pleased to invite your school to participate in the 2026 Student Leadership Workshop on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the University of Memphis Student Center.

Theme: Ignite Your Impact: Where Student Leaders Shape Tomorrow

This conference will bring together student leaders from across the district for a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration. Students will explore leadership, mental wellness, advocacy, and community engagement while developing the skills needed to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Event Details

  • Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: University of Memphis Student Center
  • Transportation: Provided and bus schedule will be sent after confirmation of attendance. 

What We Need From You

  • Select ten (10) students who demonstrate leadership potential or would benefit from this experience.
  • Assign one staff member to serve as the group chaperone.
  • Complete the registration form by September 23, 2026

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/0zp1kFb337  

Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Tarol Clements < CLEMENTSTP@scsk12.org> and Dr. Billy J. Walker, II < WALKERBJ@scsk12.org>. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) 2
All AdministratorsTeachersPLC CoachesAll
Office of Multilingual Learners/English as a Second Language (ESL)

Use of ESL Staff for Substitute Coverage 

To maintain compliance with state and federal requirements, ESL teachers should not be utilized for substitute coverage.

Schools are responsible for scheduling ESL teachers and English Learners appropriately to ensure that all required daily service hours are provided. ESL teacher positions are funded to deliver direct explicit ESL instruction, create and maintain Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) and monitoring forms, and collaborate with content teachers. ESL staff should not be assigned to cover general education, content-area, or proximity courses during times they are scheduled to provide ESL services. 

 

ESL Screening and Parent Notification Requirements 

Per TDOE Rule 0520-01-19 and Program Policy 3.207, after the start of the school year, newly enrolled NELB students must be screened with 14 days of enrollment. Please contact your ESL advisor if you need support with this process. 

 

ESL Exit Ceremony Celebration 

We are proud to celebrate students who exited ESL services in the 2025–2026 school year. 

Please join us for the Exit Ceremony on Thursday, September 24, from 6:30–7:30 PM at Greater Imani Church, 3824 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128.  

Let’s honor our students' hard work and achievements together! 

 

ESL Course Code Assignments 

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.  

Co-Teaching and Sheltered ESL services require an ESL course code in addition to the content course code. Reference the course code documents linked below to find the specific co-teaching ESL codes by grade level. For scheduling support, contact your assigned ESL advisor.  

 K-5 ESL Course Codes  6-8 ESL Course Codes   9-12 ESL Course Codes  

 

October 1 Deadline 

October 1st is the deadline to finalize the student count for the TDOE. The district’s EL count will not include students who are not identified and properly coded in EIS by Oct.1. Please work with your ESL teachers to ensure students are identified and screened by this date.   

 

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities & Key Dates 

In-Person PDs are offered at the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) unless otherwise indicated – 5151 Scottsdale Ave, Memphis, TN 38118 

September 16- Flashlight360 1st Grade Teacher Training, Virtual, 3:00-4:00p  

September 17 - Nat Geo Lift Training (9-12 only), Virtual on Teams, 3:00-4:30 PM 

September 18- ILP Monitoring Forms Open in ELLevation 

September 29- ESL 101 for New and Novice Teachers,  "What Does Effective ESL Teaching Look Like?", Wooddale High School, 4-5:30 PM 

October 7 – October ESL Monthly Meeting for all ESL Teachers, Self-Paced; available on Nearpod 

All AdministratorsTeachersPLC Coaches
Office of Multilingual Learners/English as a Second Language (ESL)

Use of ESL Staff for Substitute Coverage 

To maintain compliance with state and federal requirements, ESL teachers should not be utilized for substitute coverage.

Schools are responsible for scheduling ESL teachers and English Learners appropriately to ensure that all required daily service hours are provided. ESL teacher positions are funded to deliver direct explicit ESL instruction, create and maintain Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) and monitoring forms, and collaborate with content teachers. ESL staff should not be assigned to cover general education, content-area, or proximity courses during times they are scheduled to provide ESL services. 

ESL Screening and Parent Notification Requirements 

Per TDOE Rule 0520-01-19 and Program Policy 3.207, after the start of the school year, newly enrolled NELB students must be screened with 14 days of enrollment. Please contact your ESL advisor if you need support with this process. 

ESL Exit Ceremony Celebration 

We are proud to celebrate students who exited ESL services in the 2025–2026 school year. 

Please join us for the Exit Ceremony on Thursday, September 24, from 6:30–7:30 PM at Greater Imani Church, 3824 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128.  

Let’s honor our students' hard work and achievements together! 

ESL Course Code Assignments 

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.  

Co-Teaching and Sheltered ESL services require an ESL course code in addition to the content course code. Reference the course code documents linked below to find the specific co-teaching ESL codes by grade level. For scheduling support, contact your assigned ESL advisor.  

 K-5 ESL Course Codes  6-8 ESL Course Codes   9-12 ESL Course Codes  

October 1 Deadline 

October 1st is the deadline to finalize the student count for the TDOE. The district’s EL count will not include students who are not identified and properly coded in EIS by Oct.1. Please work with your ESL teachers to ensure students are identified and screened by this date.   

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities & Key Dates 

In-Person PDs are offered at the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) unless otherwise indicated – 5151 Scottsdale Ave, Memphis, TN 38118 

September 16- Flashlight360 1st Grade Teacher Training, Virtual, 3:00-4:00p  

September 17 - Nat Geo Lift Training (9-12 only), Virtual on Teams, 3:00-4:30 PM 

September 18- ILP Monitoring Forms Open in ELLevation 

September 29- ESL 101 for New and Novice Teachers,  "What Does Effective ESL Teaching Look Like?", Wooddale High School, 4-5:30 PM 

October 7 – October ESL Monthly Meeting for all ESL Teachers, Self-Paced; available on Nearpod