Greetings, Elementary and Middle School Leaders.

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and we want to be sure to align our planning efforts to promote a positive experience for our students and all who are celebrating grade-level promotions alongside them. While promotional programs are not required, we understand that many schools have a tradition of celebrating students by recognizing their accomplishments in Kindergarten, 5th grade, and 8th grade.

Planning Notes:

1. Coordinate with nearby feeder schools to avoid overlapping event dates.

2. Ensure that there is adequate parking space for all guests, especially if the event is held at an external venue, and that sufficient staff are available to direct traffic if needed.

3. Plan for comfortable seating that accommodates the anticipated number of guests, including any necessary seating for students, staff, and families. Ensure there are enough seats for elderly guests and people with mobility challenges.

4. If planning an outdoor event, have a backup plan for inclement weather (such as renting a tent or moving the event indoors).

5. Choose a venue that is neutral and inclusive for all students, regardless of their religious, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

6. Provide translation or interpretation services for families who may not speak the primary language of the school, ensuring all families can engage and participate fully.

7. Involve students in the planning process where possible (e.g., allowing them to help choose the theme, décor, or music).

8. Think about creating a welcoming and festive environment through visuals (e.g., banners, posters, and flowers). Ensure that decorations represent all cultures and identities within the school.

9. Ensure that the program is designed to be engaging and meaningful for all students. Programs should include accommodation students with special needs and those with limited English proficiency.

10. Be sure to celebrate the success of the event with your team, thank volunteers, and acknowledge any special contributions from the community or other stakeholders.

Please use the link below to share information about any planned celebrations by Wednesday, April 30, 2026. Promotional Programs- ES & MS (2026) – Fill out form

To ensure senior fees for homeless students are paid in a timely manner, please submit a letter on your school's letterhead to Dr. Karen Ball-Johnson ASAP, including the following information:

*Name

*Student ID number

*Itemized school fees (cap/gown, diploma cover, transportation)

*Graduation Date

*Signature of Requestor 

*Date of Request

*FAFSA Date 

You will find a sample letter attached to this email that should include the information outlined above. The letter should be written on your school's letterhead and sent as an attachment to an email addressed to Dr. Karen Ball-Johnson at ballkf@scsk12.org. Please include "Senior Fees" in the subject line of the email.

If you have any additional follow-up questions, reach out to Dr. Ball-Johnson at ballkf@scsk12.org or 901-416-7393. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Greetings Elementary and K-8 Principals,

Current third-grade students identified as at-risk for retention based on the i-Ready Winter Diagnostic will be enrolled automatically in Summer Learning Academy. Per state law, students who are required to attend SLA must maintain a minimum attendance rate of 90 percent. This requirement is expected to impact approximately 3,000 students, although the final number may vary based on exemptions and other determining factors.

Parents and guardians will be notified of their child’s automatic enrollment through multiple communication methods, including letters, email, phone, and text messages, prior to auto-enrollment. Families with questions are encouraged to contact their child’s school or the Office of Extended Learning for additional information.

Please see the Summer Learning Academy key dates and information below.

Summer Learning Academy

• Third-Grade Auto Enrollment: March 27, 2026
• General Registration: March 30, 2026-April 24, 2026
• June 1, 2026-June 29, 2026 (Holiday: June 19, 2026)
• 44 Locations across Memphis & Shelby County
• SLA 2026 Sites with Feeder Schools.xlsx
• Times: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m., depending on location

If you have any questions, please email Stephanie McClain at mcclainsl@scsk12.org or Gabrielle M. Santa Cruze at larkingm@scsk12.org.

Greetings, Elementary and Middle School Leaders.

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and we want to be sure to align our planning efforts to promote a positive experience for our students and all who are celebrating grade-level promotions alongside them. While promotional programs are not required, we understand that many schools have a tradition of celebrating students by recognizing their accomplishments in Kindergarten, 5th grade, and 8th grade.

Planning Notes:

1. Coordinate with nearby feeder schools to avoid overlapping event dates.

2. Ensure that there is adequate parking space for all guests, especially if the event is held at an external venue, and that sufficient staff are available to direct traffic if needed.

3. Plan for comfortable seating that accommodates the anticipated number of guests, including any necessary seating for students, staff, and families. Ensure there are enough seats for elderly guests and people with mobility challenges.

4. If planning an outdoor event, have a backup plan for inclement weather (such as renting a tent or moving the event indoors).

5. Choose a venue that is neutral and inclusive for all students, regardless of their religious, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

6. Provide translation or interpretation services for families who may not speak the primary language of the school, ensuring all families can engage and participate fully.

7. Involve students in the planning process where possible (e.g., allowing them to help choose the theme, décor, or music).

8. Think about creating a welcoming and festive environment through visuals (e.g., banners, posters, and flowers). Ensure that decorations represent all cultures and identities within the school.

9. Ensure that the program is designed to be engaging and meaningful for all students. Programs should include accommodation students with special needs and those with limited English proficiency.

10. Be sure to celebrate the success of the event with your team, thank volunteers, and acknowledge any special contributions from the community or other stakeholders.

Please use the link below to share information about any planned celebrations by Wednesday, April 30, 2026. Promotional Programs- ES & MS (2026) – Fill out form

Greetings, Elementary and Middle School Leaders.

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and we want to be sure to align our planning efforts to promote a positive experience for our students and all who are celebrating grade-level promotions alongside them. While promotional programs are not required, we understand that many schools have a tradition of celebrating students by recognizing their accomplishments in Kindergarten, 5th grade, and 8th grade.

Planning Notes:

1. Coordinate with nearby feeder schools to avoid overlapping event dates.

2. Ensure that there is adequate parking space for all guests, especially if the event is held at an external venue, and that sufficient staff are available to direct traffic if needed.

3. Plan for comfortable seating that accommodates the anticipated number of guests, including any necessary seating for students, staff, and families. Ensure there are enough seats for elderly guests and people with mobility challenges.

4. If planning an outdoor event, have a backup plan for inclement weather (such as renting a tent or moving the event indoors).

5. Choose a venue that is neutral and inclusive for all students, regardless of their religious, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

6. Provide translation or interpretation services for families who may not speak the primary language of the school, ensuring all families can engage and participate fully.

7. Involve students in the planning process where possible (e.g., allowing them to help choose the theme, décor, or music).

8. Think about creating a welcoming and festive environment through visuals (e.g., banners, posters, and flowers). Ensure that decorations represent all cultures and identities within the school.

9. Ensure that the program is designed to be engaging and meaningful for all students. Programs should include accommodation students with special needs and those with limited English proficiency.

10. Be sure to celebrate the success of the event with your team, thank volunteers, and acknowledge any special contributions from the community or other stakeholders.

Please use the link below to share information about any planned celebrations by Wednesday, April 30, 2026. Promotional Programs- ES & MS (2026) – Fill out form

To ensure senior fees for homeless students are paid in a timely manner, please submit a letter on your school's letterhead to Dr. Ball-Johnson ASAP, including the following information:

*Name

*Student ID number

*Itemized school fees (cap/gown, diploma cover, transportation)

*Graduation Date

*Signature of Requestor 

*Date of Request

*FAFSA Date 

You will find a sample letter attached to this email that should include the information outlined above. The letter should be written on your school's letterhead and sent as an attachment to an email addressed to Dr. Ball-Johnson at ballkf@scsk12.org. Please include "Senior Fees" in the subject line of the email.

If you have any additional follow-up questions, reach out to Dr. Ball-Johnson at ballkf@scsk12.org or 901-416-7393. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Attention Principals and Aspiring Leaders!

Your leadership journey is a continuous path of growth. Building your capacity is the most critical investment you can make to enhance your knowledge, experience, and readiness for high-impact leadership. If you are serious about your leadership aspirations, we invite you to take full advantage of our weekly development opportunities at the Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA).

These sessions are uniquely facilitated by seasoned practitioners with proven records of effectiveness in our district’s most urgent work. To support your growth for the remainder of this school year and your intentional planning for the next, we have curated a high-leverage lineup for April:

📍 April Session Calendar

Why These Labs Matter for Your Journey:

• Refine Your Lens: Master the art of looking at student work to drive real-time instructional shifts and close achievement gaps.
• Fortify Your Culture: Go beyond the surface to build robust, resource-backed frameworks that support both the "whole child" and your staff.
• Expert Mentorship: Learn directly from peers and leaders who are successfully navigating these challenges every day.

Action Item: Secure your spot and register your leadership team via PLZ today. Space is limited, and the collaboration in these labs is unmatched!

Let’s continue our collective journey of building capacity and rewriting the story of success for every student we serve. 

We’ll see you at the TLA in W115/116!

Greetings, MSCS Principals,

To ensure accurate management of professional development courses on Professional Learning Zone (PLZ) at your school, we are updating user access permissions.

Principals will retain access by default and do not need to be included on the submission list. Each school should identify the following individuals:
• Professional Learning Coach (required), and
• One additional designated representative who will assist with managing professional development courses.

Please complete the PLZ Professional Development Course Requestor.pdf identifying these individuals for your school no later than Thursday, April 30, by the close of business.
This information will be used to:
• Confirm current users who should retain access, and
• Remove previous users who no longer require access.

Timely submission is essential to ensure uninterrupted access and accurate system records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please do not hesitate to reach out to John T. Colenberg at colenbergj@scsk12.org or 901 416-9282.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request and for your continued support of professional learning.

Greetings MSCS School Leaders,

Thank you for your continued commitment to recognizing excellence across our schools. As we prepare to celebrate our outstanding educators, we ask that you release your Teacher of the Year nominee to attend the Teacher of the Year Appreciation Lunch.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Those Who Grow Greatness Every Day,” highlights the powerful impact our teachers have on students and the broader community. The luncheon will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden.

Please ensure appropriate classroom coverage is secured beginning at 11:00 a.m. and for the remainder of the school day so nominees can fully participate in this special recognition event. This is a meaningful opportunity to honor the dedication, passion, and commitment our teachers demonstrate daily.

Your support in making this experience possible is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact performanceandleadership@scsk12.org

ILT Content Leads Save the Dates for Future 2025-26 ILT Support Sessions. All ILT Content Leads must attend the monthly ILT Support Sessions outlined in the flyer to be eligible to receive the semester stipend. 2025 26 ILT Support Session Dates w PLZ Codes 9.15.2025.pdf

Attention: ILT Content Leads

Come join us on Thursday, May 7, 2026, for the end-of-the-year celebration for fun, food, and fellowship!

ILT EOY May Celebration.pdf

The ILT May Celebration has been rescheduled to May 8, 2026. Please see the flyer for grade-band times.
ILT EOY May Celebration.pdf

The office of Curriculum and Instruction Science Department is offering teachers an opportunity to be member of NSTA for an entire year plus have access to

all self-paced NSTA Interactive E-books, Professional development, NSTA Lesson Plans, blogs journals, articles and all recorded webinars for 1-year. All webinars are included once scheduled, with the exception of web seminar series. Finally, all cohort members receive 1-year NSTA paid membership.

ONLY 17; K-12 STIPEND FREE teacher spots available! 1st come - 1st serve

2026-2027 Science PD Cohort.png

DEADLINE TO RESPOND: MAY 1, 2026

Contact: 

Terilyn McChriston, Ed.S 

Curriculum and Instruction K-12 Science Manager

mcchristontj@scsk12.org

Audience: Directors of Schools
Contact: Jaclyn.Obrien@tn.gov

We are excited to share that the next School Leader Acceleration for All Virtual Call will be during the week of May 11. During our May 2026 School Leader Acceleration for All School Virtual Call, we will focus on strengthening coherence across collaborative preparation, Tier I access, and instructional leadership to improve outcomes for all students. Leaders will consider what is working, where greater coherence is needed, and which instructional leadership priorities will have the greatest impact on student learning as they begin planning for a strong start to the next school year. 

Similar to our School Leader Acceleration for All Virtual Call in March, we will host two types of learning calls:  

• 2.5-hour calls that allow for greater collaboration among school leaders across the state. These calls will provide time for breakout rooms and discussion.
• 1.5-hour calls that include the same learning and information, but with limited breakout discussion time.

We are excited about the support and learning these calls will provide to school leaders across the state, as well as the opportunity for leaders to collaborate with and learn from one another. Register for the Acceleration for All School Leader Learning Call for this event before May 6.