All Middle & High School Health, Physical Education, and Lifetime Wellness Teachers

• #91768 HPELW: Vaping Smokescreen Training 

• Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 | 4-6 p.m. (Virtual)

All Middle School and High School Health, Physical Education, and Lifetime Wellness teachers will participate in virtual training through the Vaping Playbl Smokescreen Platform. This session will introduce teachers to the platform, demonstrate how to navigate its resources, and provide an overview of the instructional tools available.

Additionally, Playbl will guide teachers through the student experience, showcasing how learners engage with real‑world and real‑life scenarios that promote critical thinking and decision‑making skills. Teachers will also receive training on the platform’s positive instructional outcomes, including integrated quizzes, and character development components. 

For questions, contact:

• Jeremiah Bland – Blandj@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
• Jim Harbin – Harbinj1@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
• Dr. Rahmod Traylor - Traylorr@scsk12.org (HPELW Manager)

All textbook coordinators are required to complete the Textbook Automation Inventory Training for ClassGather (Course #49116). This training will ensure consistency and accuracy in managing textbook inventory across all schools.

Training Outcomes (Know, Understand, Do):

• Know: How to access and navigate the ClassGather system, scan and record textbooks, receive shipments, assign books, and maintain accurate records.
• Understand: The importance of accurate inventory for accountability, equitable distribution, compliance, and audit-readiness.
• Do: Perform essential ClassGather tasks including logging in, receiving shipments, scanning and assigning textbooks, reconciling counts, and generating reports.

Training Dates:

• Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Each session is designed to equip coordinators with the skills to align inventory processes and ensure all materials are accounted for. Attendance is mandatory.

For questions, please contact:

 Dr. Rahmod Traylor, traylorr@scsk12.org  

Tiara Oliver, OLIVERT4@scsk12.org 

All Health, Physical Education, and Lifetime Wellness Teachers are required to complete an annual Firearm Safety Training each school year.

• # 92125 HPELW- Firearm Safety Training Middle & High School, 4 p.m. (Virtually) August 25, 2026
• # 92123 HPELW- Firearm Safety Training Elementary School, 5 p.m. (Virtually) August 25, 2026
• # 92126 HPELW- Firearm Safety Training Middle & High School, 4 p.m. (Virtually) August 27, 2026
• # 92124 HPELW- Firearm Safety Training Elementary School, 5 p.m. (Virtually) August 27, 2026

The Firearm Safety Training will equip all HPELW teachers with a clear understanding of the instructional materials and guidance associated with Firearm Safety instruction. During the session, teachers will receive an overview of the MSCS district‑developed PowerPoint presentations for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-12, along with the accompanying teacher scripts, parent letters, and all available resources. Firearm Safety instruction is a state requirement. 

For questions, contact:

• Jeremiah Bland – Blandj@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
• Jim Harbin – Harbinj1@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
• Dr. Rahmod Traylor – Traylorr@scsk12.org (HPELW Manager)

All Elementary Physical Education Teachers are required to complete a Portfolio.

• #91381 HPELW: Physical Education Portfolio Lab #1 

• Date/Time: Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 4:30-6:30 PM (in-person)
• Location: Alcy Elementary, 1750 E. Alcy Rd., Memphis, TN 38114

The Elementary Physical Education Portfolio constitutes 35% of the Physical Education Teacher’s LOE score, making participation and planning essential for strong performance. If your PE teacher needs guidance on strengthening instructional strategies or improving portfolio outcomes, attendance at this Professional Development session is strongly encouraged.

During the training, teachers will receive targeted instruction on best practices aligned to the state portfolio requirements. They will also analyze a sample portfolio video, practice scoring, and disaggregate data to identify misconceptions and common errors associated with the Portfolio Guides. 

For questions, contact:

• Jeremiah Bland – Blandj@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
• Jim Harbin – Harbinj1@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
• Dr. Rahmod Traylor – Traylorr@scsk12.org (HPELW Manager)

Again this year, the Student Experience team has partnered with the I Am a Voter Collaborative on Voter Education, Registration, Mobilization & Reform to bring opportunities for voter engagement to our students this year. We will be hosting voter registration drives for our students at each high school.  

We are excited to invite you identify the voter registration contact for your school and to select the best date(s) for a Voter Registration Drive at your school (September 15-October 5). This opportunity is being offered for any student who is 17 years old and older. 

Link to Form: Voter Registration Contacts (2026-2027) – Fill out form

Please complete by Friday, Aug. 21. If you have any questions or need assistance, please let us know. 

Again this year, the Student Experience team has partnered with the I Am a Voter Collaborative on Voter Education, Registration, Mobilization & Reform to bring opportunities for voter engagement to our students this year. We will be hosting voter registration drives for our students at each high school.  

We are excited to invite you identify the voter registration contact for your school and to select the best date(s) for a Voter Registration Drive at your school (September 15-October 5). This opportunity is being offered for any student who is 17 years old and older. 

Link to Form: Voter Registration Contacts (2026-2027) – Fill out form

Please complete by Friday, Aug. 21. If you have any questions or need assistance, please let us know. 

Student Congress provides a forum where students have a voice in changing culture and climate within the district. Students are afforded a wealth of opportunities to practice leadership and engage in social action skills that serve as a catalyst for change. Students also develop an emerging awareness and understanding of community issues, problems, and resources.

Memphis Shelby County Schools Department of Student Experience is asking each high school to select two (2) students, 9th-12th grade, and each middle school to select two (2) 8th grade students to serve as Student Congress representatives for the 2026-27 academic year. Please include those students who served last year, if they are still enrolled at your site.

Per the District's Policy #6061, the Student Congress is a mechanism for increasing youth voice in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The primary function is to provide a platform for students to refine and build upon their leadership skills, create passionate global leaders, and empower students to create positive change in their environments.

Not sure what Student Congress is all about? Click below to hear members' testimonials: https://scsbroadcastservices.box.com/s/1r16a2vincy6fichjsj9zm2o9zhjtsxr

Student Congress 2026-27 Submission Form: Student Congress 2026-27 – Fill out form

Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026

Save the Date: Student Congress Retreat- Tuesday, September 8, 2026

If you need additional information or assistance, please contact:

Dr. Billy J. Walker, II- Student Leadership Email: walkerbj@scsk12.org

Thank you for your continued support in growing student leaders in our district.

Student Congress provides a forum where students have a voice in changing culture and climate within the district. Students are afforded a wealth of opportunities to practice leadership and engage in social action skills that serve as a catalyst for change. Students also develop an emerging awareness and understanding of community issues, problems, and resources.

Memphis Shelby County Schools Department of Student Experience is asking each high school to select two (2) students, 9th-12th grade, and each middle school to select two (2) 8th grade students to serve as Student Congress representatives for the 2026-27 academic year. Please include those students who served last year, if they are still enrolled at your site.

Per the District's Policy #6061, the Student Congress is a mechanism for increasing youth voice in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The primary function is to provide a platform for students to refine and build upon their leadership skills, create passionate global leaders, and empower students to create positive change in their environments.

Not sure what Student Congress is all about? Click below to hear members' testimonials: https://scsbroadcastservices.box.com/s/1r16a2vincy6fichjsj9zm2o9zhjtsxr

Student Congress 2026-27 Submission Form: Student Congress 2026-27 – Fill out form

Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026

Save the Date: Student Congress Retreat- Tuesday, September 8, 2026

If you need additional information or assistance, please contact:

Dr. Billy J. Walker, II- Student Leadership Email: walkerbj@scsk12.org

Thank you for your continued support in growing student leaders in our district.

Federal Programs will continue to offer School Improvement Plan (SIP) work sessions to support school planning teams as they develop and finalize their SY2027–29 School Improvement Plans. These sessions provide opportunities to collaborate with Federal Programs staff and receive guidance, feedback, and technical assistance throughout the planning process.

A link to the August SIP Support Sessions Calendar, which includes session dates, times, and registration links, is provided below. Please register for the sessions you plan to attend. Full participation is strongly encouraged to ensure your plan is completed by the established deadline.

SY27 SIP Support Sessions Calendar (August).pdf

SIP Due Dates:

• ATSI & CSI schools: August 21, 2026
• Non-designated & TSI schools: September 18, 2026

The FY2026-27 Title I schoolwide allocations have been loaded into APECS.  Please take some time to discuss with your school planning team how these funds will be utilized.  The use of Title I allocations should align with your school improvement plan.  The initial budget transfer should support planned spending for all of your first semester Title I schoolwide initiatives. 

Use the link below to download the initial budget transfer request form, or it can be found in Title1Crate folder B1.  The initial budget transfer form should be submitted no later than Friday, August 28, 2026, to your Title I Advisor.  

​​​FY27 Initial Budget Transfer -Title I.docx​​​

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is excited to launch The Alumni Network, a districtwide initiative designed to reconnect graduates from all 36 active high schools representing the legacies of Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools, and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Guided by the theme “3 Eras, 1 Mission: Come Back. Build Forward.”, the Alumni Network will create a culture of lifelong engagement and encourage graduates to reinvest in the schools and students following in their footsteps.

The initial charge of the Alumni Network will focus on volunteerism, school beautification, and funding a scholarship for a graduating senior. Alumni Champions will help connect graduates to meaningful opportunities to contribute their time, talents, and resources to their school communities. Through this network, MSCS aims to transform school pride into collective action that directly supports student success. Each principal is asked to identify 1-2 alumni contacts from their school to serve as Alumni Champions and help mobilize fellow graduates. These champions should be engaged, dependable, well-connected, and passionate about supporting their alma mater. 

Together, we will reconnect generations of alumni around 3 Eras, 1 Mission: Come Back. Build Forward.

Complete the form HERE.