We are excited to invite one teacher from your school to participate in an upcoming virtual training hosted by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation as part of their nationally recognized Start With Hello initiative.

About Start With Hello:

Start With Hello teaches K-12 students how to recognize the signs of social isolation and empowers them to create a more inclusive and connected school environment. It is part of the SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Club framework, which promotes youth-led violence prevention, leadership, and a stronger sense of belonging within schools.

Training Details:

Program: Start With Hello – SAVE Leadership Training

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 11 AM

Format: Online via Zoom

Zoom Link: Will be provided directly by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation prior to the session

Stipend: Participating teachers will receive a $100 stipend.

Additional Details:

Teachers who attend the training also will serve as the SAVE Promise Club Advisor for their school, supporting students in implementing Start With Hello initiatives.

Each participating school will receive a bundle of materials and resources delivered directly to the campus to help launch and sustain their SAVE Club efforts.

Action Required:

Please select one teacher from your school who is passionate about student leadership, school culture, or social-emotional learning. Have them register by the August 25 deadline, using the link below:

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/eeJJUC5ax0

Thank you for supporting this powerful opportunity to create safer, more inclusive, and student-empowered school communities. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

STUDENT CONGRESS: 

Please be sure to review Student Congress (​Policy 6061).​ 

August 2025: Principal and staff student recommendations​ Each HS must have a minimum of 2 representatives (9th – 12th)​ Each MS must have a minimum of one 8th grade representative​ Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025​ ​ 

Sign up Link: https://forms.office.com/r/b40w4smEsy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish the district-wide Student Congress as a mechanism for increasing students’ voices in the District; enhance the educational experience of students; and allow the Board to gain greater insight into educational needs from the student’s point of view.

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 - Student Congress Retreat 8a.m.-1p.m.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Please be sure to review Student Clubs and Organizations (Policy 6064).​

Each school shall distribute a list of available clubs and organizations inthe student handbook or equivalent. 

The list shall include: ​ 

• The names of the clubs and organizations, including any abbreviations or acronyms; ​
• The mission and purpose of the clubs and organizations; ​
• All financial requirements associated with membership in the club or organization; and ​
• The procedures for providing informed written consent by parents and/or legal guardians for minor students to join or participate in those organizations.​

Student Clubs and Organizations allow for students to be connected to their school through a club or extracurricular activity. Each school is requested to host their own Student Clubs and Organization sign-up opportunities within the first month of school to allow students to select clubs, organizations, etc. These days may be structured through lunches, activity periods, homerooms, English classes, etc. to ensure access for all students. 

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

​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.

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

At the start of another successful school year at MSCS, I would like to share a few important reminders from the Special Populations team. Our mission is to support the district in removing barriers for students who are experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or from migratory backgrounds. In accordance with federal guidelines, these students must be enrolled immediately and provided with the necessary support to access a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Homeless Students 

To ensure timely support, all McKinney-Vento referral forms have been uploaded to SharePoint. In order for services to be initiated, a completed referral must be submitted to our office. Once received, a team member will contact the parent or caretaker within 48–72 hours. Please use the SharePoint link below to access the referral forms.

MSCS Displaced Referral Forms.pdf

Backpacks and school supplies were purchased last school year for each student identified as homeless and delivered to schools. Please ensure these materials are distributed accordingly.

Additionally, to comply with McKinney-Vento awareness requirements, each school must have one English and one Spanish McKinney-Vento poster displayed at all times. If you need additional posters, please email Vequitia Barnes at barnesvl@scsk12.org.

Also, the dispute resolution form is available on SharePoint, https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/sites/SpecialPopulations-Displaced.

Foster Care Students

Students in foster care must be enrolled immediately, even if they do not have the required documents at the time of enrollment. The DCS case manager or designee should provide a School Enrollment Form and an Education Passport. If these forms are not available, please have the case manager complete a records release form so the necessary documents can be obtained from the previous school of attendance.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Karen Ball-Johnson <BALLKF@scsk12.org>.

We are pleased to invite your school to participate in the upcoming Youth Leadership & Mental Wellness Workshop, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM at the Renasant Convention Center.

This youth-focused event is designed to empower middle and high school students through a dynamic blend of keynote inspiration, interactive sessions, and peer collaboration.

Conference Theme: "Ready. Set. Grow. Student Leadership"
This year's theme reflects our mission to equip students with the mindset, tools, and confidence to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose.

The conference will focus on the 5 A’s (Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, Arts) and include:

• Mental wellness and emotional growth
• Equity and student voice
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership development
• Student-led change and action

What We Need from You:

• Select 5 students from your school (middle and high school levels) who demonstrate leadership potential or would benefit from this experience.
• Assign one non-teacher staff member to attend as a chaperone for your student group.
• Complete the registration form by Friday, September 5, 2025, using the link below:

Registration Form: https://forms.office.com/r/R1jy91cyxs

Transportation:

Bus transportation will be provided for all student groups. Final logistics, including pickup times and locations, will be shared closer to the event date.

We look forward to your school’s participation in this powerful day of learning, growth, and connection. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for supporting the development of the next generation of youth leaders.

We are pleased to invite your school to participate in the upcoming Youth Leadership & Mental Wellness Workshop, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM at the Renasant Convention Center.

This youth-focused event is designed to empower middle and high school students through a dynamic blend of keynote inspiration, interactive sessions, and peer collaboration.

Conference Theme: "Ready. Set. Grow. Student Leadership"
This year's theme reflects our mission to equip students with the mindset, tools, and confidence to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose.

The conference will focus on the 5 A’s (Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, Arts) and include:

• Mental wellness and emotional growth
• Equity and student voice
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership development
• Student-led change and action

What We Need from You:

• Select 5 students from your school (middle and high school levels) who demonstrate leadership potential or would benefit from this experience.
• Assign one non-teacher staff member to attend as a chaperone for your student group.
• Complete the registration form by Friday, September 5, 2025, using the link below:

Registration Form: https://forms.office.com/r/R1jy91cyxs

Transportation:

Bus transportation will be provided for all student groups. Final logistics, including pickup times and locations, will be shared closer to the event date.

We look forward to your school’s participation in this powerful day of learning, growth, and connection. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for supporting the development of the next generation of youth leaders.

Please be sure to review Student Congress (​Policy 6061).​ 

Principal and staff student recommendations​: Each high school must have a minimum of 2 representatives (9th – 12th)​. Each middle school must have a minimum of one 8th grade representative​. Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025​ ​ 

Sign up Link: https://forms.office.com/r/b40w4smEsy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish the district-wide Student Congress as a mechanism for increasing students’ voices in the District; enhance the educational experience of students; and allow the Board to gain greater insight into educational needs from the student’s point of view.

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 - Student Congress Retreat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Per Policy #6065, the Office of Student Leadership will offer training for middle and high schools to beginning SGA & Student Council advisors. 

Participants will receive a step-by-step implementation plan to help schools establish a successful SGA and/or Student Council. A calendar of upcoming events (local and statewide) will be provided, in addition to information on fundraising, team-building, and community service projects.

Date:            Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time:            3:15 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Location:      Central High School (Library), 306 South Bellevue

PLZ Course: 48754

PURPOSE:   To provide guidelines for the operation of student councils in each of the district’s middle and high schools.

Please be sure to review Student Government (Policy 6065).

This policy applies to middle schools 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 Monday, September 1, 2025. Sign-Up Link: https://forms.office.com/r/kx9gwvLFxV

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

We are excited to invite one teacher from your school to participate in an upcoming virtual training hosted by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation as part of their nationally recognized Start With Hello initiative.

About Start With Hello:

Start With Hello teaches K-12 students how to recognize the signs of social isolation and empowers them to create a more inclusive and connected school environment. It is part of the SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Club framework, which promotes youth-led violence prevention, leadership, and a stronger sense of belonging within schools.

Training Details:

Program: Start With Hello – SAVE Leadership Training

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 11 AM

Format: Online via Zoom

Zoom Link: Will be provided directly by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation prior to the session

Stipend: Participating teachers will receive a $100 stipend.

Additional Details:

Teachers who attend the training also will serve as the SAVE Promise Club Advisor for their school, supporting students in implementing Start With Hello initiatives.

Each participating school will receive a bundle of materials and resources delivered directly to the campus to help launch and sustain their SAVE Club efforts.

Action Required:

Please select one teacher from your school who is passionate about student leadership, school culture, or social-emotional learning. Have them register by the August 25 deadline, using the link below:

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/eeJJUC5ax0

Thank you for supporting this powerful opportunity to create safer, more inclusive, and student-empowered school communities. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

We are still in the process of developing the SY26 School Improvement Plans. As you work toward completing your school’s plan by the expected due dates, please be aware of the upcoming work sessions hosted by Federal Programs. These sessions provide an opportunity to work directly with Title I advisors as you enter data and finalize your plan.

Note:  School Improvement Plans for CSI/ATSI/TSI schools will be returned the week of August 11th.

In-Person Work Sessions
Location: The New Teacher Academy
3022 Jackson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38108

• August 12, 2025 – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
• August 14, 2025 – 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
• August 19, 2025 – 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
• August 21, 2025 – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
• August 26, 2025 – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
• August 28, 2025 – 12:00 PM–3:00 PM

Virtual Work Sessions
Facilitated by your school’s assigned Title I advisor via TEAMS (meeting links will be shared via email):

• August 14, 2025 – 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
• August 20, 2025 – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
• August 26, 2025 – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

For questions, please contact your school’s Title I advisor or Chrystal Burton at burtoncp@scsk12.org.

Important Dates to Remember 

• InformTN window opened June 1, 2025. 
• ATSI/CSI/TSI school improvement plans are due to the District on or before August 1, 2025. 
• School improvement plans for schools without a federal designation are due to the District on or before September 1, 2025. 

Accessing School Improvement Plans in InformTN 

Please ensure you are able to successfully log into the InformTN platform to access your school's School Improvement Plan (SIP). As we move forward with revising, reviewing, and implementing these plans, it's important that all school leaders have timely access to the platform. 

If you experience any login issues or need assistance navigating InformTN, please reach out to Chrystal Burton (burtoncp@scsk12.org) as soon as possible so we can provide support. 

How to Log into the InformTN Platform 

1. Go to the InformTN Login Page 
   Visit: https://edplan.tn.gov/account/login/?next=/ 
2. Click on "Sign in with TDOE Single Sign-on" 
   This will redirect you to the Tennessee Department of Education login portal. 
3. Enter Your SSO Email 
   Use your official email address that ends with: @tneducation.net 
4. Enter Your Password 
   1. Type in your SSO password. 
   2. If you've forgotten your password, click “Forgot my password” and follow the on-screen instructions to reset it. 

Accepting School Improvement Plan Assurances 

As the approver of your school’s School Improvement Plan (SIP), please make sure you accept the Assurances located on the “Reflect to Plan” page in InformTN before submitting the plan.  By accepting these Assurances, you are confirming your commitment to uphold the standards, requirements, and responsibilities outlined within the plan. 

Thank you for your attention to this important step in the approval process. 

Greetings! Leadership Development Week (LDW) is August 25 - 28, 2025, with the following groups attending on the dates below (agendas linked):

• Monday, August 25, 2025-PLC Coaches and Instructional Facilitators
• Tuesday, August 26, 2025-Principals and Vice-Principals
• Wednesday, August 27, 2025-Assistant Principals and Dean of Students
• Thursday, August 28, 2025-Professional Counselors

August LDW Theme: Greatness Grows from the Ground Up
Focus Quote: "If you want a tree to grow, you have to care for the root, not just the fruit."
🌱 “Rooted & Ready” We suggest participants to wear earth tones (greens, browns, tans).
Core Idea: We’re planting deep systems, not just surface routines.

We are pleased to inform you that your buildings will soon receive the newly adopted science instructional materials to support teaching and learning across multiple disciplines. These resources are designed to enhance both teacher and student engagement with the Tennessee science standards. 

Included in the delivery: 

SAVVAS Subscribers:

• Teacher Editions (TE) 
• Student Editions (SE) for the following classes and courses: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 
• Subscribers will have access to classroom libraries, activity cards(K-2), level readers, test prep (3-5), and classroom material kits (K-8) with online access. 

McGraw-Hill TN Subscribers: 

• Teacher Editions (TE) 
• Student Editions (SE)  
  • Biology 
  • Physics 
  • Chemistry 
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology 
  • Physical Science 
• Digital Access via Learn Science Platform 
• McGraw-Hill K–12 Offline Portal App Access 

Additional Digital Resources: 

• Biology and Physical Science will receive Reading Essentials and Science Notebooks in digital format. 
• Biology will also receive End-of-Course (EOC) preparation materials digitally. 
• Physical Science will receive ACT/SAT preparation resources digitally. 
• Ecology teachers will have access to digital resources, which can be found here Connect Teacher Resource Activation 

K-12 School Science Unboxing

Please ensure that your science department is aware of these updates and prepared to integrate the new materials into instruction. If you have any questions or need support with access or implementation, feel free to reach out. Terilyn McChriston 
Manager, Science Curriculum & Instruction (mcchristontj@scsk12.org) 

The District has transitioned to a new library management system. Libraries will no longer be using Atriuum; moving forward, we will be utilizing Insignia as our new platform.

Library Services is currently in the process of implementing Insignia across all schools. To support this transition, we will be offering ongoing professional development sessions for librarians every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month, beginning the week of August 11.

Please see the information below to register for these sessions. Your support in encouraging library staff to attend is greatly appreciated as we work to ensure a smooth and successful rollout of the new system.

Insignia Basics

Additional Features in Insignia

Insignia Open Lab 

Please note: Due to ongoing data migration, the Insignia site is currently temporarily down. As a result, the circulation of library materials cannot be performed at this time. We will notify all staff as soon as the system is fully operational.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

To ensure that all libraries within Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) operate in alignment with state laws, regulations, and District policies—including the MSCS Librarian's Handbook—each school is required to establish a School-Level Book and Material Selection Committee.

This committee is responsible for developing and overseeing procedures for previewing, evaluating, and selecting library and instructional materials. The committee must include the following members:

· One school administrator

· The school librarian

· A classroom teacher

· A parent of a currently enrolled student

As part of this process, we ask that each school complete and submit the School Library Collection Committee of Review Statement below to Library Services. Please note that book orders will not be approved unless this document is on file.

MSCS Statement of Committee Review for the School Library Collection can be accessed here: https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/fieldsa_scsk12_org/Efcm5CzK25tEq79sEPU4KAUBevAEBXyYTk0lpL09EzDysA?e=XeTuqF

The Librarian’s Handbook can be accessed here: https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/fieldsa_scsk12_org/Edn1Vas9wlNGmNajHiICl8sBbQVyaVWpEwOMqDRjgrTeGw?e=dIDzA3

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to maintaining high standards in our school libraries.

Library Services is committed to supporting school librarians in their instructional roles and in fostering a strong culture of literacy on every campus. To ensure librarians are equipped with the tools and guidance they need, we are offering several layers of support this year.

Site-Based Support

Library Services will begin conducting site visits to school libraries throughout the district. These visits are designed to provide direct, hands-on support to librarians and help strengthen library programming, instructional practices, and campus alignment.

New Librarian Support & Mentorship

All new librarians will be paired with a designated mentor to ensure a smooth transition into their roles. Mentors will provide guidance on systems, instructional practices, and available resources. If there is a new librarian at your campus, please ensure they have reached out to Library Services so we can connect them with a mentor and provide the necessary support. You will receive an email from our team confirming the assigned mentor for your librarian. 

Weekly Librarian Newsletters

To support continuous learning and communication, Library Services sends out a weekly newsletter every Monday to all librarians. These newsletters are thoughtfully curated to offer timely and relevant content designed to enhance library instruction and align with district and campus goals.

Each issue includes:

• Instructional tools and lesson ideas aligned with district curriculum and literacy priorities
• Digital resource highlights, including updates on new platforms, databases, and tech tools
• Professional development opportunities with session details and registration links
• Key reminders and updates related to inventory, supply orders, book orders, reporting deadlines, and district initiatives
• Tips for collection development and promoting equitable access to diverse materials

Monthly Professional Development

Library Services will also continue hosting monthly professional development sessions specifically tailored for librarians. These sessions focus on building instructional capacity, integrating content into curriculum areas, and supporting student achievement. Attendance is encouraged, and librarians will receive PD credit for participation. All session details will be posted in PLZ.

We strongly believe that well-supported library programs are essential to a thriving school culture and student success. Through consistent communication, mentoring, and high-quality professional learning, we are here to ensure every librarian is empowered to make a meaningful impact on campus.

If you have any questions, or if you'd like to discuss ways Library Services can further support your librarian or campus goals, please reach out to Alicia Fields (fieldsa@scsk12.org).

STUDENT CONGRESS: 

Please be sure to review Student Congress (​Policy 6061).​ 

August 2025: Principal and staff student recommendations​ Each HS must have a minimum of 2 representatives (9th – 12th)​ Each MS must have a minimum of one 8th grade representative​ Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025​ ​ 

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish the district-wide Student Congress as a mechanism for increasing students’ voices in the District; enhance the educational experience of students; and allow the Board to gain greater insight into educational needs from the student’s point of view.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Please be sure to review Student Clubs and Organizations (Policy 6064).​

Each school shall distribute a list of available clubs and organizations inthe student handbook or equivalent. 

The list shall include: ​ 

• The names of the clubs and organizations, including any abbreviations or acronyms; ​
• The mission and purpose of the clubs and organizations; ​
• All financial requirements associated with membership in the club or organization; and ​
• The procedures for providing informed written consent by parents and/or legal guardians for minor students to join or participate inthose organizations.​

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

​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.

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

At the start of another successful school year at MSCS, I would like to share a few important reminders from the Special Populations team. Our mission is to support the district in removing barriers for students who are experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or from migratory backgrounds. In accordance with federal guidelines, these students must be enrolled immediately and provided with the necessary support to access a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Homeless Students 

To ensure timely support, all McKinney-Vento referral forms have been uploaded to SharePoint. In order for services to be initiated, a completed referral must be submitted to our office. Once received, a team member will contact the parent or caretaker within 48–72 hours. Please use the SharePoint link below to access the referral forms.

MSCS Displaced Referral Forms.pdf

Backpacks and school supplies were purchased last school year for each student identified as homeless and delivered to schools. Please ensure these materials are distributed accordingly.

Additionally, to comply with McKinney-Vento awareness requirements, each school must have one English and one Spanish McKinney-Vento poster displayed at all times. If you need additional posters, please email Vequitia Barnes at barnesvl@scsk12.org.

Also, the dispute resolution form is available on SharePoint, https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/sites/SpecialPopulations-Displaced.

Foster Care Students

Students in foster care must be enrolled immediately, even if they do not have the required documents at the time of enrollment. The DCS case manager or designee should provide a School Enrollment Form and an Education Passport. If these forms are not available, please have the case manager complete a records release form so the necessary documents can be obtained from the previous school of attendance.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Karen Ball-Johnson <BALLKF@scsk12.org>.

Instructions on how to handle remanded students’ school enrollments and classes in the home school and alternative school can be found here.

• The Q1 Progress Report period ends Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Q1 Progress Reports will not be mailed. Parents will continue to be able to view the grades in the Parent Portal. The Q1 Progress Report Checklist is available on SharePoint. This document outlines the teacher and school office staff’s responsibilities for verifying and finalizing Q1 Progress Reports.
• Listed below are the Report Card and Progress Report Periods for the 2025-2026 school year.

Schools have 5 business days (from the date of the request) to transfer a student’s record to the requesting school. This includes discipline, behavioral, and special education records. Records secretaries must monitor the ScribTransfer application daily to ensure records requests are processed within 5 business days.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, grade changes for the current school year (Ex. 2025-2026 Q1-Q4, S1, S2, Y1, etc.) do not require submission and approval in Ivanti. Completed and signed Historical Change of Data forms must remain on site at the school. The forms should be available and accessible for district personnel upon request. 

Changes to grades from a previous school year must be submitted in Ivanti. Once approved, schools can proceed with making the appropriate changes in PowerSchool. Corrections to credits earned do not require approval.

The following documents can be found here.

• 2025-2026 Change of Data for Report Cards and Historical Transcripts
• Submitting the Online Historical Transcript Change of Data Form in Ivanti
• MSCS Historical Grade Change Process Map

The TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) will be introducing a one-time transfer rule for the next school year that allows high school and middle school student-athletes a single transfer to another school without losing eligibility, but only if the transfer is not for athletic reasons. 

This rule is designed to address the needs of students experiencing significant academic, social-emotional, environmental, or mental health challenges. There are exceptions, including cases where a coaching link exists between the new school and the former school within the past 12 months, or if the student is under disciplinary suspension at their former school.  The school the student is transferring from must verify that the move is not due to athletic or disciplinary reasons. 

Currently, the TSSAA is working on additional messaging and FAQs for schools to support this bylaw change.  The TSSAA's one-time transfer rule has been the subject of legislative debate, with lawmakers initially considering codifying the rule into state law, but the process has been paused until 2026. 

India Weaver, Athletics Director

weaveri@scsk12.org