SEAs participated in Session 3 of the SEA Impact Series, focused on Data to Action on October 21. The session emphasized moving beyond identifying student needs to using data to make instructional decisions that support student growth.

During the session, SEAs focused on:

· Using student data to form instructional groups.

· Matching instructional supports to identified literacy needs.

· Determining appropriate resources based on student needs and grade level.

· Planning targeted tutoring and intervention support.

· Monitoring student progress and adjusting support over time.

Leadership Look-Fors:

· SEAs grouping students based on common instructional needs.

· Small-group instruction aligned to student data.

· SEAs utilizing appropriate resources and materials to address identified needs.

· Students receiving targeted support based on specific literacy skill gaps.

· Evidence of progress monitoring and adjustments to instruction.

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

· Forming groups intentionally.

· Using data before instruction.

· Monitoring student progress.

· Adjusting support based on student needs.

· Celebrating student growth.

Thank you for supporting the implementation of data-informed instructional decision-making in your building.

Questions? Please contact Heba Sammour at sammourh@scsk12.org.

Please review the October 19 MTSS Lead Updates.

Personalized Instruction is the individualized learning path i-Ready builds for each student based on their i-Ready Inform results. We also call Personalized Instruction “MyPath” (grades K-5) and “i-Ready Pro” (grades 6-12). Personalized Instruction is delivered with fidelity when usage and pass rates meet recommended guidance.  Teachers and school leaders should monitor this using the Personalized Instruction Report in iReady.  

Usage:  Students should have 30-49 minutes per week, per content (ELA and Math).

Pass rate:  Students should aim for a pass rate of 70% or better YTD.

Join Melanie Nelson, Curriculum Associates PL Specialist, on November 2 at 4 p.m. for office hours if you need support with personalized instruction. 

Teams link:  https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/242667313979262?p=oYyoQcyhydDxZyVSjL__;!!Nw6c7o_sdRo!Xwm77JP6kkCJJxRB88QSCy_kKV-U7djWmuRWh084ShJIXATPi9a-2EFoTVtwtE_i0y8HNJDbEuv3uZ_l$

As a reminder, please continue to share with new teachers and remind novice teachers about the ​Getting Started​ guidance video available within the MSCS Teacher Resource page. This resource will assist with ensuring that all instructional staff are aware of how to access the curriculum, lesson plans, and additional resources for effective instruction.  The beginning of each quarter is a great time to continue highlighting this resource as staff may have shifted placements or new teachers have been onboarded.

Questions? Contact Dr. Amy Maples or a member of the Curriculum & Instruction Department.

School Leaders,

The districtwide Digital Citizenship completion window is open through October 28, 2026. All K-12 schools are expected to participate as we work toward our goal of 93% student completion.

Please review the Digital Citizenship flyer for teacher roles, student access steps, and grade-band courses. Schools may schedule the Canvas lessons for a time that works for them and use the Digital Citizenship Completion Report to monitor student progress.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Thank you for your active engagement during September Leadership Development Week. Your contributions helped make it a meaningful and impactful experience.

As a follow-up, please find the shared resource folder for your continued reference and support: Sept Final Agendas (leaderboard).

Questions? Contact us at performanceandleadership@scsk12.org.

The deadline to complete NIE Goal Setting Conferences in PLZ has been extended to November 6, 2026. 

As a reminder: NIE Employees must select their evaluator first in PLZ, in order for the evaluator to have access to their NIE plan. In addition, the evaluator must be NIE Certified.

Questions? Contact EPS@scsk12.org.

For RETURNING NIE Evaluators that were previously NIE Certified during SY2025-2026, NIE Recertification is NOT REQUIRED for SY2026-2027. Eligible Returning NIE Evaluators will be automatically identified and added as NIE Evaluators in PLZ for SY2026-27.

NEW NIE Evaluators, please register in PLZ for Course #50057.

The deadline to complete certification and certify as an NIE Evaluator for SY26-27 is April 9, 2027.

Questions? Contact EPS@scsk12.org

Advancing Professional Practice Through Evidence and Reflection School leaders, please encourage teachers familiar with the Professionalism Rubric to attend this PD opportunity. Participants will deepen their understanding by analyzing evidence, reflecting on professional practice, and using the rubric to support continuous professional growth. 

WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 4-5 p.m. 

Register in PLZ: Course# 50664 

Questions? Contact ESP@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.

All portfolio educators should log in to TeachAll and select collections by Friday, December 4, using their state single sign on. Educators may reach out to their Content Advisor or the District Portfolio Lead, Floresha Smith, to receive their State SSO. 

All point A assessments should be completed/not uploaded for all students by Friday, December 4, to support purposeful sampling. 

Questions or concerns? Email eps@scsk12.org.

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 

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

District Team, it is that time of year again!

Every day across Memphis-Shelby County Schools, exceptional educational leaders step up to inspire classrooms, transform school cultures, and drive relentless academic growth for our students. Now, it’s time to elevate and honor the visionary leaders who embody what it means to lead with excellence, equity, and impact!

We are officially opening nominations for the Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards!

Do you know an administrator or central office supervisor whose transformational leadership, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering commitment deserve district-wide recognition? We want to hear from you!

🏆 Award Categories

• 🏫Principal of the Year: Honoring building-level principals who demonstrate exceptional instructional leadership, foster a positive school climate, and achieve outstanding student outcomes.
• 💼Supervisor of the Year: Recognizing central office leaders and administrative supervisors who provide extraordinary service, strategic support, and operational excellence across our district.

⏰ Nomination Deadline & Next Steps

• 🗓️Submission Deadline: Thursday, October 29, 2026 (No late submissions will be accepted!)
• 🔗How to Nominate: Submit your nominations quickly and easily using the official submission link below:

👉 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PRINCIPAL & SUPERVISOR NOMINATIONS
 

Why Your Nomination Matters

Great leadership transforms lives. Taking a few minutes to nominate a deserving colleague ensures that high-leverage practice is recognized, celebrated, and replicated across MSCS.

Let’s rally together and give our outstanding principals and supervisors the celebration they have earned. Submit your nominations today!

Daniel L. Jack, Ed.D.

Department of Performance & Leadership Development

Greetings!

 Leadership Development Week (LDW) is next week, and we would like to remind you of the key dates and information. Please find the agendas for each session.

 Final October LDW Master Agenda.pdf

 LDW will take place October 26 -29, 2026 with the following groups attending on the dates listed below:

 Thursday, October 22, 2026 - Central Office Staff

Monday, October 26, 2026 – Professional School Counselors

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – Principals

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – Assistant Principals, Vice Principals, and Deans of Students

Thursday, October 29, 2026 – PLC Coaches and Instructional Facilitators

 We look forward to a productive week of learning and collaboration. Please review the agendas for your designated day and come prepared to engage in the scheduled activities and discussions.

 Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you next week!

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 at 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 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 at lusterey@scsk12.org.

We are excited to participate in this year's Do the Write Thing (DtWT) writing program. DtWT is a writing competition where middle school students share how violence has impacted them and propose solutions. 

We are excited about this year's challenge and look forward to the submission of essays, poems, songs, plays and more! We are looking for submissions from every middle school this year.

Our students will have the opportunity to submit to the local competition and the winning essay will advance to the and national competition in Washington, D.C. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students' talent and there is no limit on the number of submissions per school. Please share this information with your school teams to encourage participation.

Local Entry Information (Deadline: 12/15/26) 

Middle School teachers are asked to sign-up here: Do the Write Thing 2027 – Fill out form.

• Any form of written expression (e.g. essays, poems, plays, songs)
• Must address the following questions:
  • How has violence affected my life?
  • What are the causes of youth violence?
  • What can I do to reduce youth violence?
• Positive and non-derogatory language
• Fictional writings must be identified as such
• Strong preference will be given to non-fiction writings
• Credit must be given to outside sources
• Writings based upon plagiarism will not be considered

Completed packets may be sent to our office via MSCS Board Mail. Please be sure to include a summary page with the packet noting the contact person for your school and the number of submissions. Also, each submission should contain its own cover sheet with the parent/guardian's signature.

In addition to information on https://www.dtwt.org/, please review the MSCS Do the Write Thing Resources Folder.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Erin Y. Luster at lusterey@scsk12.org.

Summary files for Performance Matters Interim Assessment 1 can be found in the Assessment restricted SharePoint folder here. Principals and Building Testing Coordinators have access to the restricted folder.

The final day for completing fall ACT testing for seniors is Friday, November 6. PreACT testing in grades 8, 9, and 10 should also be completed by November 6. 

The state will publicly release the 2026 graduation rates on Thursday, October 29. 

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. Principal Screening Calendar Semester 1 26-27.pdf

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

Medication Training

Please review the Medication Administration Training for 2026-2027. MedicationTraining.pdf

School Care and Immunization Training

Please review the School Care and Immunization Training Flyer. SchoolCareImmunizationTraining.pdf

Healthy Teams

Please review Healthy Teams for 2026-2027. HealthyTeams.pdf

District-Approved Medical Service Vendors

Please review the list of approved vendors. DistrictApprovedMedicalServiceVendors.pdf

Assigned School Nurse Absence

Please review the information regarding assigned school nurses' absence. Nursing.pdf

2026-2027 Bed Bugs Toolkit BedBugsToolkit.pdf

2026-2027 Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease (HFMD) Toolkit HFMDToolkit.pdf

2026-2027 Head Lice Toolkit LiceToolkit.pdf

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

Medical Emergency Based Logs Instructions.pdf

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.
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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 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

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Upcoming Training Sessions: 

• No Virtual Office Hours for the week of October 27 and 29. Sessions will resume on November 3 and 5 with Open Office Hours Q&A sessions.
• 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.

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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.   

The Q1 Report Card period ended Friday, October 9. Q1 Report Cards should be printed and handed to students to take home on Wednesday, October 28. Parents will still be able to view the grades in the Parent Portal. The Q1 Report Card Checklist is available here. This document outlines the teacher and school office staff’s responsibilities for verifying and finalizing Q1 Report Cards. If you have any questions, please contact your assigned SIS Data Specialist/Analyst.

Important Dates:

• Quarter 1 End Date: October 9, 2026
• Quarter 2 Start Date: October 19, 2026
• Fall Break: October 12-16, 2026
• Distribution Date of Report Cards and Available via Parent Portal: October 28, 2026

Enrollment Procedures and Reminders

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

Compliance with Policy 6002 guidelines is required regarding General Choice Transfers. 

Key Updates:

• Warning Letter Requirement & Due Date: Before requesting to revoke a transfer due to attendance, academic performance, or behavior, principals must issue a written warning letter to parents/guardians.
• All warning letters must be sent out if not already done so. Please ensure all required warning letters are issued by Friday, October 30.
• Semester-End Rescissions: Transfer rescissions will take effect at the end of a semester only.
• 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.

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 7, 2027.
• The authorized window to utilize the GS (Graduating Senior) attendance code is May 10 through May 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 26-27 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

• Please save and reference this guide to support your staff, students, and school community throughout the year: Office of Student Support Services Resource Guide.

The first 7 Mindsets Insights Measurement Window opened October 19, 2026, and will close 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

Questions? Please contact S.E.L Advisors Chumeka Wayne (waynec@scsk12.org) 901-416-0348 or Aunia Cole (coleal@scsk12.org) 901-416-0601.

RTI2-B/S.E.L. Department 

As part of MSCS' 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 additional assistance, please contact RTI2-B Advisors: Michael Spearman (spearmanmt@scsk12.org) 901-416-0608 (desk) or 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  Department — District Region Advisors & Associates 2026-27

Here are some strategies to support safe, positive, and well-managed athletic events:

Before the Contest

• Meet with the Athletic Director to review event expectations and risk factors.
• Identify contests requiring enhanced supervision (rivalries, playoffs, homecoming, senior nights).
• Confirm administrator, security, and event staff assignments.
• Review Emergency Action Plans, severe weather procedures, AED access, and communication protocols.
• Communicate sportsmanship expectations and facility rules to students, families, and visitors.
• Coordinate with security, EMS, and facility personnel as needed.
• Monitor social media for potential concerns and communicate proactively.
• Assign staff to supervise student sections and engage student leaders.
• Brief event staff, ticket takers, and security on positioning and crowd control expectations.
• Greet the officiating crew, show them to a secure dressing area, and confirm game protocols.

During the Contest

• Maintain a visible administrative presence throughout the venue.
• Position staff and security at entrances, student sections, concession areas, and exits.
• Welcome spectators and promote a positive atmosphere.
• Address inappropriate behavior immediately and professionally.
• Protect officials, players & coaches from harassment or intimidation.
• Use PA announcements to reinforce sportsmanship and safety expectations.
• Keep a visible presence near team benches and spectator sections to deter unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Ensure emergency response personnel have clear access to the field or court.
• Monitor crowd flow and restricted areas continuously to prevent safety issues.

After the Contest

• Consider staggered dismissal for high-attendance or rivalry events.
• Ensure officiating crew is escorted safely back to their dressing or parking area.
• Maintain supervision in parking lots and gathering areas.
• Monitor post-game interactions between fan groups and teams.
• Debrief with athletic administration, security, and/or event staff.
• Document incidents/injuries and identify improvements for future events.

Key Reminder: Proactive communication, visible leadership, and consistent sportsmanship expectations are the most effective tools for preventing crowd-management issues.

As regular season winter contests begin, please be reminded: 

• Staff, students, and families should be reminded of MSCS event security procedures and clear bag policies.
• To alleviate confusion at ticket gates, post signage around your venue entrances and notify attendees.
• To the extent possible, ask your players to avoid bringing backpacks to the games.
• Refresher video: MSCS Event Security Procedures Video
• Volunteer coaches should have completed the background check process with FACE.
• Unauthorized people should not be allowed in team areas, i.e., sidelines, benches, locker rooms, etc. 
• Children who are not participating are not allowed on sidelines and benches.
• Behavioral expectations should be announced to all players and visitors prior to any athletic event. 
• All MSCS employees should be reminded to observe the MSCS Employee Standards of Conduct at events. (See Employee Handbook.)
• Each participating school must have an administrator or designee present at every athletic contest and identify themselves to any officials directing the game.  
• An administrator or designee should accompany visiting teams upon arrival and departure from the facility. 
• The host school is responsible for the safe passage of game officials upon arrival and departure from the facility. 

Safety isn't limited to the time spent at athletic contests; it extends to when our staff, students and fans leave the venue. We encourage you to communicate and promote these important safety tips:

• Park in Well-Lit Areas: Advise staff, students, and fans to park their vehicles in well-lit areas. Visibility is a powerful deterrent to unwanted incidents.
• Place Valuables Out of Sight: Remind everyone to stow valuables out of sight. Leaving items in plain view may attract theft.
• Lock Your Vehicles: Ensure that vehicles are securely locked. This simple step can prevent break-ins.
• Travel in Groups: Encourage carpooling or walking in groups, especially at night. There's safety in numbers.
• Report Signs of Trouble: If anyone sees trouble or suspicious activity, urge them to report it to the proper authorities immediately.

Safety is a collective responsibility, and by promoting these measures, we can help keep our school community safe even after the final whistle has blown. Thank you for your commitment to safety and the well-being of our school community.

Tennessee law requires current 8th-grade students to complete a computer science course and the Class of 2028 to earn a computer science credit. Review the attached flyer for dates, registration details, and contacts. Encourage eligible teachers to register for the FREE Spring 2027 Computer Science Endorsement Pathway (CSEP).

Register here: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/csep_teacher_registration_form_spring_2027?mc_cid=203fb1ac6b&mc_eid=c59a22e222

Important Reminder: School Improvement Plan Revisions and Approval Deadlines

All revisions to School Improvement Plans (SIPs) based on feedback from the Tennessee Department of Education or your Title I Advisor must be completed no later than Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Failure to complete revisions by this date may jeopardize the district’s ability to meet the Friday, October 30, 2026, deadline for all plans to receive Local Education Agency (LEA) approval in ePlan.

Please contact your Title I Advisor as soon as possible if you need assistance or support with the required revisions.

Important ePlan Reminder for Principals: Once all revisions are complete and your school receives final notification from your advisor, principals will check the assurance (only select the first check box) and click Draft Completed. No other action is needed. 

Please note that these deadlines and support requirements apply to all schools, including non-Title I schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Centers.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter and your commitment to meeting these important deadlines.