September is Gun Safety Awareness Month, and this year Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is marking it with a major step forward. Beginning this month, MSCS is rolling out a new gun safety curriculum across all schools, in alignment with Tennessee’s new law.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond emphasized the importance of this work, noting his ongoing engagement with families directly impacted by gun violence. “This is not just a curriculum; it’s a necessary conversation for our community. We are committed to creating safe learning environments and helping students understand the importance of making safe decisions,” said Dr. Richmond.
Why This Matters
Gun violence is a reality that touches too many families in Memphis and across the nation. By introducing lessons that follow state guidance and are tailored to each age group, MSCS is taking an active role in equipping students with knowledge that could save lives.
The goal, district leaders stress, is not only compliance with state law, but also compassion. This is about creating safe, supportive learning environments and giving students the tools to make safe decisions.
“I am proud and honored to be a part of the new Firearm Safety Program. As an educator, my greatest responsibility is to positively impact my students by equipping them with knowledge and ensuring their safety,” said Tammie Chapman, PE teacher at Berclair Elementary.
“At the end of the day, this is about keeping our children safe — in school, at home, and in the community. By working together with families, teachers, and law enforcement, we can make firearm safety a shared responsibility,” said Dr. Amy Maples, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction at MSCS.
A Community Approach
The new curriculum is just one piece of a much larger conversation. On September 18 and 19, MSCS will host community forums designed to bring families, educators, and community members together to discuss the curriculum, share experiences, and continue the fight against gun violence.
These forums are part of Dr. Richmond’s broader commitment to partnership. By engaging parents and guardians in the process, the district aims to build trust, transparency, and a shared sense of responsibility for student safety.
Families will also receive additional resources through the MSCS family newsletter, offering materials to help continue these important conversations at home. The district recognizes that this is a nuanced and sensitive topic and is committed to approaching it with care and ongoing support.
Inside the Curriculum
The new lessons are designed with the student in mind. Younger children will receive instruction focused on safety basics, while older students will engage in more nuanced conversations about responsibility, decision-making, and community awareness.
“Supporting this project will help students understand the importance of firearm safety practices that can save lives,” said Antasha Jefferson, PE teacher at Whitehaven High School. “Alongside other safety initiatives, it prepares both teachers and students for what to do if firearms are present.”
“Implementing a gun safety curriculum isn’t about politics — it’s about giving students the life skills to make safe choices at home, at school, and in the community,” said Dr. Maples. “By engaging K-12 students, we are empowering them to be part of the solution and, most importantly, keeping them safe.”
The emphasis throughout is clear: empowering students with knowledge while keeping the content age appropriate.
Per TN state guidance, the four main firearm safety rules for children are:
- Stop – The first rule for a child to follow if they find or see a gun is to stop what they are doing. This step is crucial; stopping allows time for the child to remember the rest of the firearm safety.
- Don’t Touch! – The second rule is for a child not to touch a gun they find or see. A child may think the best thing to do if they find a gun is to pick it up and take it to an adult. A child needs to know they should NEVER touch a gun that is found or seen. A firearm that is not touched or disturbed is unlikely to be fired and otherwise endanger your child or other people.
- Leave the Area – The third rule is to immediately leave the area. This would include never taking a gun away from another child or trying to stop someone from using a gun. Leaving the area removes the temptation to touch the firearm and reduces the danger that another person may negligently cause it to fire.
- Tell an Adult – The last rule is for a child to tell an adult about the gun they have seen. This includes times when other kids are playing with or shooting a gun.
Looking Forward
For MSCS, this launch is not just about the present moment, it’s about the future. By teaching students early about safety, the district is laying the foundation for stronger, healthier communities.
“Our mission is clear: every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment. Together, we can make that vision a reality,” said Dr. Richmond. “When students understand safety, they are not just protecting themselves, they are shaping safer communities for all of us.”
As September unfolds, MSCS invites families and community members to join the conversation, attend the upcoming forums, and continue working together toward a safer future for all students.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.