SEAs participated in Session 2 of the SEA Impact Series, focused on Using Data to Maximize Student Impact on October 7. 

During the session, SEAs focused on:

• Accessing and navigating student data within i-Ready.
• Understanding literacy domains and student placement data.
• Identifying student strengths and areas of need.
• Using data to determine appropriate instructional supports
• Connecting student needs to targeted tutoring and intervention practices.

Leadership Look-Fors:

• SEAs referencing student data when planning support.
• Targeted support based on identified literacy needs.
• Small-group or tutoring instruction aligned to student data.
• Students receiving differentiated support based on need.
• SEAs monitoring student progress and strengths.

This Month's SEA Commitment: SEAs identified one area of focus:

• Reviewing data before tutoring.
• Identifying student strengths and needs.
• Using data to guide support.
• Monitoring student growth.

Thank you for supporting the implementation of data-informed instruction in your building.

Please feel free to reach out to Heba Sammour at sammourh@scsk12.org if you have any questions.

Specialized Education Assistants (SEAs) are an integral part of student success across MSCS. Each day, they provide meaningful support to teachers and school leaders by working directly with students to improve literacy by reinforcing classroom learning, supporting small-group instruction, and helping ensure that every child receives the support needed to grow and achieve. Their dedication extends the impact of instruction and helps create positive learning experiences for students across our schools.

Professional learning plays a critical role in strengthening the effectiveness of SEAs. By engaging in ongoing training, SEAs continue to build their instructional knowledge, deepen their understanding of district initiatives, and refine the skills needed to support student learning. Investing in their growth ensures they are equipped to make an even greater impact on students, teachers, and school communities.

The initial professional learning was on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. 

The following reflects participation rates by region:

• Southwest (SW): 66.1%
• Northeast (NE): 65.5%
• Southeast (SE): 61.1%
• iZone/PAS (CSI): 53.1%
• Northwest (NW): 48.1%

The upcoming offerings repeat twice on each of these dates. SEAs can choose the morning or afternoon session.

October 28, 2026

November 10, 2026

January 13, 2027

January 27, 2027

February 10, 2027

February 24, 2027

March 24, 2027

Questions? Please contact Heba Sammour, Early Literacy Manager, or Dr. Amy Maples, Executive Director.

The 2026-27 Kindergarten Report Card Handbook has been updated to provide greater clarity regarding mathematics standards, indicators, and assessment guidance. These refinements support standards-based reporting by clarifying how PowerSchool indicators align to kindergarten math standards and how mastery is determined, including guidance related to summer school recommendations. The updates do not change the kindergarten standards or expectations for students; rather, they strengthen consistency in assessment, progress monitoring, and documentation of student learning. Principals are encouraged to share this information with kindergarten teachers and review the access link and linked recording.

https://www.scsk12.org/ci/files/26/2026-27%20Kindergarten%20Report%20Card%20Assessment%20Handbook.pdf

Clipchamp

Questions? Please contact Joyce Harrison, ELA Manager, or Dr. Amy Maples, Executive Director.

Please review the important action items related to ILPDs in this week's MTSS Lead Updates.

MSCS needs your assistance in making sure that we have accurate counts for students with ILPDs in TNPulse. MTSS Leads were asked on Monday, October 5, to review all ILPDs for the school using the information below. Office hours were also available and will continue to be as an ongoing support.  Please ensure that your MTSS Lead has completed this check and emailed requested information to RTI2@scsk12.org by Friday, October 9, at noon.  If not, please ensure that it is received as quickly as possible.

1. Conduct an Advanced Search that includes red, yellow, and green Ds that represent ILPDs and review the ILPDs. Be sure to export the search results.

• Do your students with green Ds have DYS02 and 03 coding in PowerSchool?
• For your students with yellow Ds, do they have DYS02 and 03 coding in PowerSchool, and are they still eligible for an ILPD support? If so, please renew the ILPD.
• For your students with red Ds, is the student still eligible (renew it) or should the ILPD be exited? Take action now for clean reporting as this has been previously communicated. If you cannot exit a plan you need to make note of it so that we can be made aware. In most cases if a plan cannot be exited it is because it originated in 2023 and has been grandfathered in through all of the TDOE updates. In some cases they appear with no D at all but have an ILPD tag.  This does not mean that the student has an ILPD, but they have in the past.
• Are there students who are no longer enrolled at your school, but the plan exists under your search results?

2. Following your review email the Advanced Search export and notes on plans that cannot be exited and should not appear under your school.  Be sure to include the students' first and last names as well as id numbers.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is seeking qualified Advanced Placement teachers and supervisors to serve on Schedule F textbook adoption review committees. Selected members will review proposed AP instructional materials and provide course-specific feedback to support District adoption decisions.

Applicants must meet all teacher or supervisor qualifications:

• Currently teach or supervise the grade level, course, or subject area for which appointment is requested.
• Hold a Tennessee teaching license with the appropriate grade-level or subject-matter endorsement.
• Have at least three years of experience as a teacher or supervisor in public schools.

Committee areas:

• AP African American Studies
• AP Human Geography
• AP Comparative Government and Politics
• AP Psychology
• AP European History
• AP United States Government and Politics
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP United States History
• AP Microeconomics
• AP World History

Apply: Complete the corresponding Textbook Adoption Committee Application using the hyperlink added to the Leaderboard post.

AP Committee Application 

For questions, please contact:

James L. Smith, Manager, Advanced Placement, SMITHJL@scsk12.org 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is seeking qualified teachers and supervisors to serve on the Schedule F Social Studies Textbook Adoption Committee. Committee members will review instructional materials and provide professional feedback to support the district's adoption process.

Applicants must meet all teacher or supervisor qualifications:

• Currently teach or supervise the grade level, course, or subject area for which appointment is requested.
• Hold a Tennessee teaching license with the appropriate grade-level or subject-matter endorsement.
• Have at least three years of experience as a teacher or supervisor in public schools.

Committee areas:

• K- 5th  Social Studies
• Grade 6th-7th  World History and Geography
• Grade 8th  U.S. History and Geography
• High School World History and Geography, U.S. History and Geography, Government and Civics, and Economics

Applicants should select only the areas that match their current assignment, licensure or endorsement, and experience. Final committee assignments are based on district needs and local board appointment.

Apply: Complete the corresponding Textbook Adoption Committee Application using the hyperlink added to the Leaderboard post.

Social Committee Application 

For questions, please contact:

Sonya Porter, Humanities Manager -portersb@scsk12.org

Terri L. Stephens, Instructional Advisor, Social Studies, stephenstl@scsk12.org 

Jerita J. Powell, Instructional Advisor, Social Studies, powelljj@scsk12.org 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is seeking qualified CCTE teachers and supervisors to serve on the Schedule F Business Management and Administration and Human Services Textbook Adoption Committees. Committee members will review instructional materials and provide pathway-specific feedback to support District adoption decisions.

Applicants must meet all teacher or supervisor qualifications:

• Currently teach or supervise the grade level, course, or subject area for which appointment is requested.
• Hold a Tennessee teaching license with the appropriate grade-level or subject-matter endorsement.
• Have at least three years of experience as a teacher or supervisor in public schools.

Committee areas:

• Business Management and Administration courses, including Business, Marketing, Office Applications, Entrepreneurship, Legal Systems, Economics, and Career Practicum courses
• Human Services courses, including Barbering, Cosmetology, Human Studies, Lifespan Development, Family Studies, Nutrition, and Human Services Practicum Courses
• Applicants should select only the areas that match their current assignment, licensure or endorsement, and experience. Final committee assignments are based on District needs and local board appointment.

Apply: Complete the corresponding Textbook Adoption Committee Application using the hyperlink added to the Leaderboard post.

CCTE Committee Application 

For questions, please contact:

Lisa D. White, Manager, WHITELD1@scsk12.org 

Kimberly Jackson, Manager, JACKSONKD@scsk12.org 

The PreACT and PreACT 8/9 sections of the ACT Now website have been updated with 2026-2027 information, and the testing window is open. The final day of the testing window is November 6. 

The 2025-26 graduation rates have been finalized and are currently under embargo. The embargoed TVAAS files have also been updated to include TVAAS Composites and Science results. The graduation rate and TVAAS files are available in the Embargoed Data folder on SharePoint here. This data is considered final and embargoed until the state’s public release of these results. These results must not be shared outside of the District prior to public release. 

In-person Building Testing Coordinator (BTC) meetings will be held on October 21 and 22. BTCs need to attend only one of the meetings, which will cover the same content. BTCs can sign up for a meeting on PLZ under course code 50950.

Access to the TNPortfolio platform will be available mid-October for eligible educators, including those with active permits.

Once rostered, teachers will receive an email from TeachAll with account access instructions.

A State SSO is required to log in. Contact your Content Advisor or Floresha Smith, District Portfolio Lead, for assistance.

While waiting for access, review:

• Portfolio Platform – TNPortfolio | TEAM-TN
• Portfolio Teacher Guidance | TEAM-TN

Questions or concerns? Email eps@scsk12.org.

The Growth Measure "Universal Screener - Universal Screener (KK Teachers - Mandatory)" was inadvertently made available as a selectable option within the Growth & Achievement Measure Form in PLZ. We sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused.

Please note: This growth measure is not a valid selection for educators completing the Growth & Achievement Measure process. If you previously selected "Universal Screener - Universal Screener (KK Teachers - Mandatory)," you must return to your Growth & Achievement Measure Form and select the appropriate growth measure.

Because this option is tied to an active assessment, it cannot be removed from the selection list at this time. To prevent additional selections, a system notification has been added advising educators not to choose this measure.

To support educators, the Employee Performance & Support team has:

• Reopened the Growth & Achievement Measure activity for affected users.
• Added a system notification advising educators not to select this option.
• Extended the Growth & Achievement Measure selection deadline through October 9, 2026.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Employee Performance & Support at 901-416-2475 or eps@scsk12.org.

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. 

• SY26-27 NIE Goal Setting Conference Flyer

Goal Setting Conferences are due by October 23, 2026.

Questions? Contact EPS@scsk12.org

The Fall Student Perception Survey will be administered October 26 – November 6, 2026. The District’s goal is to achieve 95% or more completion among eligible students and teachers. Please work with your Survey Site Coordinator to ensure students have the time, technology, and support needed to complete the survey. 

For questions, please contact the Employee Performance and Support Office at 901-416-2475 or eps@scsk12.org, or reach out to LaToya Rogers at rogersld@scsk12.org.

District Learning Day on October 19, 2026, is school-based. Schools should use the sign-in and survey QR codes on the linked flyer during DLD. Please share both codes with teachers and ensure your school requests its DLD course in PLZ.

October 19 School-Based DLD

Upload School-Based Agendas by Friday, October 16, 2026: October 2026 DLD School-Based Agenda Upload

Thank you for supporting a successful day of professional learning!

Leadership Lab | Optimizing Teacher Growth Through Intentional Cycles of Support

🗓️ Date: October 22, 2026 (Redelivery Lab)

👤 Facilitator: Daniel L. Jack, Ed.D. | 🎯 TEAM Alignment: C1. Evaluation & C2. Differentiated PL

• Overview: Shift classroom observation from compliance to a high-impact growth engine. Master a data-driven framework designed to optimize educator capacity through evidence-based feedback loops and a tiered coaching system that balances accountability with trust.
• Key Outcome: Build a data-driven observation framework, implement a tiered coaching matrix tailored to teacher performance data, and analyze macro-level observation trends aligned with school goals.
• Implementation Plan:
  • Presentation & Modeling: Explore the Practitioner Cycle and model macro-level observation trend analysis to set differentiated coaching protocols.
  • Practice & Action: Analyze sample classroom evidence to construct prioritized feedback action steps, audit building observation practices, and roll out a differentiated coaching matrix.

📲 Registration & Logistics: Secure your seat. Log in to PLZ #92866 to secure your registration today! 

Location: TLA Room W115 

Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Digital Citizenship participation window is September 28 – October 28, 2026, with a District goal of 93% student completion.

Please ensure time is allotted for students in grades K-12 to complete all assigned Canvas modules and monitor your school’s progress toward the goal. See the linked flyer for implementation guidance and completion-monitoring resources.

Flyer: MSCS Digital Citizenship 2026

Thank you for supporting safe, responsible digital learning!

The first 7 Mindsets Insights Measurement Window will open October 19 – November 5, 2026. Insights provides schools with valuable information to better understand student social-emotional strengths and areas where additional support may be needed.

Measurement Window: October 19, 2026 – November 5, 2026

Student Access
Students will access Insights by selecting the 7 Mindsets app from their Clever dashboard. Students in grades 6–12 may see a home screen and should select “Start Measurement.”

Students will then confirm their identity, select English or Spanish, complete a brief audio check, and begin the measurement. Headphones are required. Students may pause and resume as needed, and progress will save automatically.

Estimated Completion Times

• K-3: 30–35 minutes
• Grades 4-5: approximately 40 minutes
• Grades 6-8: approximately 30 minutes
• Grades 9-12: approximately 15 minutes

Important K-3 Note: During the shape-matching activity, students may experience a brief intentional delay. This is part of the measurement and is designed to assess self-control and frustration tolerance. If students ask about the delay, please encourage them by simply saying, “Keep going and do your best.”

Helpful Resources:
How to Monitor Completion Progress
Proctoring Tip Sheets – Clever

More information and reminders will be shared as we approach the October 19, 2026, opening of the measurement window.

RTI2-B/S.E.L. Department 

As part of our continued district-wide RTI2-B implementation, please ensure that your school's RTI2-B Monthly Meeting Minutes are completed and submitted by the last Friday of each month. 

Meeting minutes should clearly document your school's team participation, data reviewed, student interventions/supports, decisions made, and next steps.  Consistent documentation helps us monitor implementation and provide appropriate support to schools. 

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment as we work together to decrease suspensions, increase attendance, and strengthen school culture and climate. The submission link for the RTI2-B Monthly Meetings is below.

If you need any additional assistance please contact RTI2-B Advisors: Michael Spearman (spearmanmt@scsk12.org) 901-416-0608 (desk) and Clarence Shaw (shawcj@scsk12.org) 901-416-4173

Click HERE to access the MSCS Leadership Launchpad 

Click HERE to access the RTI2-B Monthly Meeting Minutes Template

Attached is the 2026–2027 Section 504 Advisor and Associate Representative list identifying the district representative(s) assigned to support each school.

Please review the attachment and ensure that the appropriate members of your school team are familiar with their assigned Section 504 Advisor and/or Associate.

Our Section 504 team is available to provide guidance and support related to Section 504 processes, compliance, implementation, and school-based questions.

We encourage schools to maintain ongoing communication with their assigned representative and to reach out when assistance or clarification is needed.

                                                    Section 504 Program — All Schools by Region, 2026-27

Principals,

The MSCS Office of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and RTI²-B would like to inform you that all assigned School-Based Behavior Specialists are required to attend the upcoming District Learning Day (DLD) professional development training.

Theme: "Behavior Matters: From Reaction to Restoration with our Students."

Training Details:

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Messick Gymnasium, 703 Spottswood Ave., Memphis, TN

This important professional learning opportunity will focus on strengthening behavior intervention strategies, social-emotional learning, de-escalation techniques, restorative practices, and collaborative student support systems.

Our goal is to ensure that Behavior Specialists are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to reduce student suspensions, improve attendance, strengthen relationships, and foster positive school culture and climate.

We respectfully ask that you support your assigned Behavior Specialist's attendance by making the necessary arrangements to allow full participation in this mandatory district training.

Thank you for your continued leadership, partnership, and commitment to creating safe, supportive, and successful learning environments for all MSCS students.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact RTI2-B Advisors: Michael T. Spearman (spearmanmt@scsk12.org), 901-416-0608, or Clarence Shaw (shawcj@scsk12.org), 901-416-4173.

Enrollment Procedures and Reminders

PowerSchool Update: General Choice Transfer Warning Letters 

To better support your parent communications, a General Choice Transfer warning letter is now available directly in PowerSchool Enrollment. Simply select the student, and the system will automatically generate the letter – auto-filling the date, student name, address, and default transfer compliance language. Please see the attached Warning Letter.docx for reference.

Important Reminder: Policy 6002 Updates – Transfer Revocations & Warning Letters

Please review the revised Policy 6002 guidelines regarding General Choice Transfers and Shared Residency Requirements. Compliance is required immediately.

Key Updates:

• Semester-End Rescissions: Transfer rescissions will only take effect at the end of a semester.
• Warning Letter Requirement: Before revoking a transfer due to attendance, academic performance, or behavior, principals must issue a written warning letter to parents/guardians.
• PowerSchool Template & Documentation: To simplify this process, a pre-populated warning letter template is now available directly in PowerSchool Enrollment. Select the student to generate a letter pre-filled with student details and default compliance text. Note: You may use your own custom letter, but the written warning and all related communication must be logged and documented in PowerSchool.
• Revised Review Criteria (Page 9, #4): Parents/guardians may only request a review of a revoked transfer under the following specific grounds:
  • Violation of law, policy, regulation, or guideline.
  • Inaccurate information or data (including clerical or system errors).
  • Failure by the school/district to follow proper procedures affecting transfer eligibility.

Strict adherence to the warning letter process ensures due process and clear documentation across the District. Please refer to the attached Warning Letter.docx for reference.

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.

Attendance Procedures and Reminders

ADMIN ACTION REQUIRED: PowerSchool Contact & Security Update

Action Needed: Please copy and paste the notice below into your upcoming school newsletters and family communications. Maintaining accurate family contact details in PowerSchool is vital for student safety, critical emergency alerts, and routine school-to-home communication.

Important PowerSchool Updates for Families

To keep student information secure and ensure you receive critical school updates, please note the following guidelines for your PowerSchool Parent Portal account:

• Updating Contact Details (Web Browser Only): To add or update phone numbers, email addresses, or emergency contacts, log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal using a web browser and select the "Update Communication Preferences" tab. Note: Contact updates cannot be made through the mobile app.
• Removing Contacts: For student security, parents cannot delete contacts online. Contact removal requests must be handled directly by your school’s main office staff.
• Mobile App & Daily Monitoring: Download the PowerSchool mobile app for real-time notifications on grades and attendance, and log in regularly to review your contact profile for accuracy.
• Parent Contact Guidance Flyer

MSCS Student Attendance Pact Guide

• 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. Please explore the MSCS Student Attendance Pact Guide to see how students, families, and staff can team up to make every day count.

• CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MSCS ATTENDANCE PACT GUIDE

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 10, 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 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 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.
•  Student Absence Form Flyer

"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

ADVISORY: Over-Age for Grade (OAG) Student Placement Meetings

• For students who have been out of school for multiple years, an Over-Age for Grade (OAG) placement meeting must take place to determine appropriate grade placement and academic next steps.
• School leadership and principals will be notified in advance whenever a meeting is scheduled for a student at their site.
• For questions or further guidance, please contact the Office of Enrollment, Attendance, and Truancy at 901-416-2989. Thank you for your continued support!

Administrative Action Items

• Update Team Contacts: Complete the 2026-27 Attendance Team School Contact List promptly to ensure your school receives critical truancy updates and support this year.

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 should already be available at your building. 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. 

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

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 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

Q1 Retention Prevention and Early Intervention

As first-quarter grades are finalized, schools should review the academic progress of English Learners who may be at risk for retention, course failure, or credit deficiency. Early identification and intervention are critical to ensuring students receive the support needed to be successful.

For all English Learners assigned a failing grade in Quarter 1, schools are expected to do the following: 

• Ensure the Monitoring Forms are filled out in Ellevation to adequately address concerns with Els' academic performance.
• Upload documentation and work samples demonstrating interventions and supports provided to the student
• Document parent/guardian contact regarding the student's academic progress and risk of failure
  • Parent communication must occur in a language and manner the parent can understand and should include information about available supports and intervention opportunities. Make sure this documentation is uploaded to Ellevation.
• For secondary students, identify students who may require additional support or credit recovery options.

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  

• Oct. 21: Instructional Strategies for Dually Identified Students - Session 1
• Hours toward Fall Flex Day: SPED/ESL: Foundations for Inclusive Instruction – PLZ # 50172
• Self-Paced and in-person Co-Teaching Training is available to schools upon request. Contact your assigned ESL advisor to learn how to provide these trainings to your staff.

Empowering Your Data Story: The DAIM Team wants to encourage greater Power BI and MSCS Compass use in District-managed schools. As part of our usage campaign, schools with the highest usage receive recognition monthly. Click here to see the flier for more information. You can also see pictures of recipients, with their awards, on our Hall of Fame page.

September School Winners

• Top School Overall: J.P. Freeman School
• Top Elementary School: Delano Elementary
• Top High School: Manassas High

Highlighted Reports:

Fall Interim and Common Formative Assessment data is available in the Performance Matters and Performance Matters Participation reports within the Student Assessment dashboard. Data updates nightly during the window. Click here for the Performance Matters user guide. And here for the Participation Report user guide.
 

Attendance for the 2nd 20-day period is now available in the  Show Up For Greatness report in the Student Attendance dashboard. Attendance Tiers business rules have also been recently updated.  Click here for the user guide.

Student Attendance includes updated at-risk levels for Chronic Absenteeism. These replace the High, Medium, and Low Risk levels available previously. This is available in all reports with Chronic Absenteeism Risk data.  For the Student Attendance user guides, click here.

Digital Citizenship Canvas course submissions open. You can track student completion with the Digital Citizenship Completion Report in the MSCS Compass. You can also track overall progress (including the number of students who have completed and those remaining) for your school as a whole and by grade level. Central Office staff can track progress across multiple schools and by Region and ILC. The dashboard is scheduled to refresh at 8:30 AM every morning. Data you see in the report will reflect what is in Canvas the previous day. For the user guide to this report, click here. Digital Ambassadors at each school will have automatic access to the Power BI report. They must be specified as their school’s Digital Learning Ambassador in the School Based Contacts/Leadership Launchpad Power App. If a student is not enrolled in a course or has technical issues with Canvas, please reach out to SCSCleverAdmins@scsk12.org.

----------------------------  

Upcoming Training Sessions: 

• Virtual Office Hours will return October 20 and October 22 with a review of the Performance Matters: Participation and Performance Reports.
• For more information on Virtual Office Hours, check out this 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.

----------------------------  

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), visit  our support page.
---------------------------- 

Check out our  page of new/updated features and releases on our DAIM Support Page!

Contact us at  DAIMSUPPORT@scsk12.org  if you need support.   

From Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett: Sign up today for the Tennessee Student Mock Election. The mock election is a non-partisan, educational experience that gives Tennessee students a chance to learn how elected officials are selected. All Tennessee students are welcome to participate.

1) Sign up your school online

2) Review our civics lesson plans and resources

Topics: Citizenship, Roles of Elected Officials, Campaigning, the Voting Process, State & Local Government, The Constitution, and Colonial Government

3) Gather resources provided by our office

Each participating school will be provided the following resources:

1. A PDF of a mock ballot that can be printed (which is available for download).
2. "I Voted" stickers (which will be sent via mail).
3. A Student Mock Election "I Voted" sign (which is available to download).

4) Conduct your mock election

The Secretary of State’s office will provide printable mock election ballots. However, schools may conduct their mock election in whatever manner works best for their students.

5) Report your school's results

Results can be reported beginning on October 14, 2026, and must be submitted by October 28, 2026. Instructions for reporting will be provided to each school’s designated contact via email.

We’re encouraging all elementary and middle schools to host a school-level Spelling Bee and give students the chance to showcase their spelling skills and confidence on stage.

This year’s MSCS Spelling Bee will highlight our spectacular spellers in grades 3-8. But first, they’ll need to win your school’s spelling bee by Friday, December 11, 2026. Now is the time to identify your Spelling Bee Coordinator and plan for e-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-c-e.

If you have questions about how to get started, sign up here: Spelling Bee Intent to Participate 2026-27 – Fill out form and  join us for a virtual meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit spellingbee.com/enrollment to learn more and register your school. Participation in the Scripps Bee is NOT required for participation in the MSCS Spelling Bee.

Thank you for all you do to create meaningful learning opportunities for our students and for helping them build confidence through friendly academic competition!

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

As the next phase in our Voter Engagement Commitment, we will be arranging bus transportation for eligible students to Ride to the Polls during Early Voting. Please use the form linked below to confirm your interest in participating for participation in Early Voting during the early voting period (Wednesday, October 14 — Thursday, October 29, 2026). We will work with your school to select the date.

Link to MSCS Ride to the Polls Form: MSCS Ride to the Polls Field Trip (2026) – Fill out form

In order to participate in this field trip, students must:

Be registered to vote in Shelby County, Tennessee, by October 5, 2026. 

For more information on verifying voter registration, visit https://web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov/. 

To Search By Voter, you will need:

• First Name (required)
• Last Name (required)
• ZIP Code OR Birth Month and Birth Year

Be 18 years old on the day they vote. For example, if a student turns 18 years old on November 3, they would be eligible to vote on Election Day, but they would not be eligible to vote during Early Voting. Please refer to the previously shared school lists of students turning 18 by Election Day and/or download the Basic Student Info Report from PowerSchool.

Have an acceptable ID.

For more information on Voter ID requirements, visit https://sos.tn.gov/elections/voter-id-requirements

• Understand what IDs are acceptable
• Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired:
• Tennessee driver license with your photo
• U.S. Passport
• Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government
• U.S. Military photo ID

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

Click the fillable 2026 Metal Detector School Plan, which is due no later than Friday, October 30, 2026.

The Metal Detector School Plan is required to be completed by all High Schools, Middle Schools, and K–8 Schools in accordance with District Board Policy 6027.

Please ensure the plan is completed in its entirety and submitted by the established deadline.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety and security requirement.