Dear MSCS Families,

As we close out the calendar year and prepare for a season of rest and celebration, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your partnership and support. Every day, more than 100,000 students walk into our schools with dreams, talents, and potential, and it is our privilege to grow greatness alongside you. 

This month, our schools have continued to shine. From student achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts, to our JROTC cadets earning perfect ASVAB scores, to classrooms filled with curiosity and joy, our students inspire us daily. We are equally grateful for our educators and staff who work tirelessly to provide high-quality instruction, meaningful support, and safe, welcoming learning environments. 

We also reached an important milestone in our commitment to safety with the opening of the new Real-Time Safety Center. This state-of-the-art facility enhances our ability to monitor campuses, respond quickly to concerns, and support school leaders in keeping students and staff safe. Operating around the clock, the center strengthens our efforts to create secure and supportive learning environments across the district. 

As we look ahead, attendance remains a critical focus. Every day matters. When students arrive on time and ready to learn, they stay connected, grow academically, and build the habits that shape long-term success. Thank you for encouraging consistent attendance as we move into an important stretch of the school year. 

December also brings key academic updates. The State of Tennessee will soon release School Letter Grades and the State Report Card. While these tools offer one snapshot of school performance, we know our schools represent much more than a single rating. We are proud of the positive movement we are seeing across the district and remain committed to strengthening teaching and learning in every classroom. 

I also invite you to stay informed through my Weekly Recap, now available on the MSCS website. Each update highlights district accomplishments, student and staff successes, major initiatives, and the priorities guiding our work. Making these recaps public reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and open communication with our community. 

As we prepare for winter break, I encourage you to enjoy time with loved ones and allow space for rest and renewal. Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard, and this season of reflection is well deserved. I also encourage families to keep students engaged with our Winter Break Packets, and refer to their My Pathway to Greatness Personalized Learning Plans (PLP) in PowerSchool, that was made available in late October. You can view examples of how they look like here: Elementary School PLP, High School PLP. Revisiting these plans supports every child’s personalized goals and helps maintain momentum heading into the new year. 

Thank you for choosing MSCS and for believing in the promise of our students and the strength of our community. On behalf of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, I wish you a safe, joyful, and restorative holiday season. We look forward to welcoming our students back in January, ready to learn, grow, and achieve even more together. 

Warm regards,

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D. 

Interim Superintendent 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Dear MSCS Families,

As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I want to take a moment to thank you. Every day, your partnership, care, and resilience strengthen our schools and remind us why we do this work. Together, we continue to ensure that Greatness Grows Here in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. 

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priorities. In recent weeks, we have taken important steps to support families during times of change. We have released updated advisories and resource guides addressing food access challenges related to SNAP benefit cuts and immigration-related concerns that have affected parts of our community. These resources, developed with local partners, are available on our website and will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. 

I encourage you to review these guides, share them with others, and reach out to your school leadership team if your family needs assistance. As we move into the holidays and colder weather, please know that MSCS remains committed to standing with our families through every challenge, ensuring that support and resources are always within reach. 

This month also marks the introduction of an exciting new academic initiative: My Pathway to Greatness Plans (PLP). Through this pilot program, each student will receive a personalized plan that identifies strengths, highlights areas for growth, and offers practical strategies for success both at school and at home. You can view a sample of what it would look like here, for Elementary Schools and High Schools. Parents can access these plans through Parent Connect, and we’ll continue to refine them with additional tools and examples. 

The PLP initiative reflects our commitment to finding smarter, more personal ways to support each child’s education. It’s one more example of how we are working together to make sure every student has a clear, confident path forward. 

As we approach Thanksgiving break, I hope you find time for rest, connection, and gratitude. I am deeply thankful for you, our families, who continue to show unwavering love and dedication to your children’s well-being and success. Your involvement and trust make all the difference. 

With appreciation,

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D. 

Interim Superintendent 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Dear MSCS Families, 

As we welcome October, I am reminded of how powerful our attitudes can be, not just in how we learn, but in how we lead, care, and grow as a community. This month, we’re focusing on this “A” in our Five A’s: Attitude, because a positive outlook shapes everything we do. It influences how our students see themselves, how they treat others, and how they rise to challenges with confidence and heart. 

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and across our schools, students are learning that kindness, respect, and empathy are choices that build strong and supportive environments. Lessons, projects, and district-wide activities are helping our young people see the power of inclusion and the impact of their words and actions. I encourage families to continue these conversations at home, because when we model empathy and encouragement, our children carry those lessons forward. 

This month, we also launched our new 7 Mindsets program, a district-wide effort to help students develop positive habits of thinking and living. Through weekly lessons, they’ll explore themes like Anything Is Possible and Attitude of Gratitude, guiding them to dream boldly, act with purpose, and believe in their potential. 

In October, we also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honor the survivors, caregivers, and families whose courage continues to inspire us all. Across the district, you’ll see our schools wearing pink and hosting activities that promote hope, unity, and awareness. 

Finally, I invite you to join us for our next Community Listening Session on Wednesday, October 22. After the success of our first session in September, I look forward to another meaningful evening of open dialogue and shared insight with you and our district leadership, board members, and community partners. Your voices and experiences continue to shape the work we do each day. 

Thank you for your partnership, your compassion, and your belief in our students. When we nurture positive attitudes, we nurture possibility, and that is how Greatness Grows Here in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. 

With gratitude, 

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D.  

Interim Superintendent  

Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

Dear MSCS Families, 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students. Your commitment allows us to build strong schools where every child can thrive.  

This September, we are focusing on two themes that are vital to student success: attendance and safety. Attendance is one of our Five A’s and the foundation for all learning. Through our Show Up for Greatness initiative, we are encouraging every student to be present, on time, and ready to learn each day. Consistent attendance not only drives academic achievement but also builds lifelong habits that open doors to future opportunities.  

September is also Gun Safety Awareness Month, and we are introducing a new Gun Safety Curriculum in our classrooms. While this can be a difficult topic, it is a necessary one that has the power to save lives. The curriculum provides students with knowledge and practical tools to make safe choices both inside and outside of school, and we invite families to join us in having these important conversations. The safest place for our children will always be inside our schools, and we are committed to protecting that environment so students can focus on learning and growing.  

We are also strengthening family and community engagement through Site-Based Decision-Making Councils in every school. These councils bring principals, teachers, parents, students (in some cases), and community partners together to guide decisions that affect the entire school community. Their work focuses on:  

• Increasing family and community engagement by encouraging parents and guardians to share their voice and take an active role in shaping the school environment.  

• Strengthening parent participation by partnering with educators to set priorities for academics, safety, and extracurricular opportunities.  

• Promoting accountability by tracking parent involvement in PTA meetings, volunteer efforts, and action planning for school improvement.  

• Building partnerships that connect schools and communities to support students both inside and outside the classroom.  

We encourage all families to get involved; whether by serving on a council, attending PTA and board meetings, or volunteering at your child’s school. Every act of participation strengthens our collective commitment to excellence.  

We are also continuing our monthly Community Listening Sessions through the end of the year. After a successful launch last month, we partnered with community leaders to discuss the historical context of the State Takeover and its potential impact on our schools and neighborhoods. These sessions give families the opportunity to share questions, hopes, and concerns, and I encourage you to participate. Your voice is essential to shaping the future of our district.  

Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to our schools. With your support and the focus of our Five A’s; Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, and the Arts, we are creating the conditions for greatness to grow in every student.   

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D.  

Interim Superintendent  

Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

Dear MSCS Families,  

I hope you had a refreshing and joyful summer. As we move into the third week of the 2025–26 school year, I am proud to say our opening was a tremendous success. From the first day, our classrooms have been alive with energy, curiosity, and determination as students reconnected with friends, met their teachers, and got right to work. 

The beginning of a school year is always a fresh opportunity for growth, achievement, and partnership. I want to thank you for being an essential part of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools family. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our mission help our students aim higher and reach their fullest potential. 

This year, one of our top priorities is consistent attendance. Every day in the classroom is a chance for your child to learn, grow, and move closer to their goals. When students are present and engaged, they build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need for lifelong success. Let’s continue working together to #ShowUpForGreatness and make attendance a habit that fuels achievement all year long. 

We are rolling out new and enhanced programs to support every student’s success. These efforts will provide more academic resources, enrich learning experiences, and open new opportunities in our 5 A’s: Academics, Attendance, Attitude, Athletics, and the Arts. 

I encourage you to speak positively about your child’s learning, celebrate their progress, and stay connected to district updates and school events. Your engagement and encouragement make a lasting difference.  

With appreciation,  

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D.  

Interim Superintendent  

Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

Dear MSCS Families, 

The start of a new school year is always filled with energy, hope, and opportunity. As we prepare to welcome students back on Monday, August 4, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and for the trust you place in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Together, we are creating schools where greatness grows and every child is safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. 

This year, our focus remains on the 5 A’s: Attendance, Attitude, Academics, Arts, and Athletics. These priorities are more than just goals. They are the foundation of our academic plan and our commitment to every student. That means: 

• We are asking every student to be present every day. 

• We are reinforcing the importance of a positive attitude and respectful behavior. 

• We are delivering high-quality instruction in every classroom. 

• We are elevating the arts and expanding opportunities in music, theater, and visual expression. 

• And we are building strong athletic programs that teach discipline, teamwork, and confidence. 

To strengthen our support for schools and families, we are introducing a new regional structure this year. MSCS will now operate within four geographical regions, each led by a Regional Superintendent who will report directly to me. The regions will be referred to as the Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast Regions. One additional non-area-specific region will be comprised of our priority schools, which will be overseen by a fifth Regional Superintendent and placed within our Nationally Recognized iZone (Innovation Zone). 

These leaders will work alongside a dedicated support team to provide more focused and responsive service to the schools within their region. This approach will allow us to better understand the unique needs of our schools based on their location and community, and ensure they receive the right resources and guidance to succeed. 

This change will not impact your student’s school assignment or daily routine. What it will do is improve how quickly and effectively we meet the needs of your school. You will soon receive more information from the district and from your child’s school about which region your school belongs to and how this new structure will benefit your school community. 

MSCS is building a system where every student can learn and thrive, and where every school is a place of pride. You will find important back-to-school information in this issue, including our school supplies giveaway event, engagement opportunities, and more. Please review the resources and reach out to your school if you have any questions. 

With your continued support, I know this will be a powerful year for our students, our schools, and our city. 

With appreciation, 

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D. 

Interim Superintendent 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Dear MSCS Families,

As we close out the 2024-2025 school year, I want to thank you, our families, caregivers, and community members, for being steady partners in this journey. Whether you helped with homework, attended a school performance, showed up for a game, or reminded your child to do their best each day, you made a difference. This year, we've seen growth, resilience, and excellence across Memphis-Shelby County Schools. I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand the heart and hustle of our students, teachers, and staff. And now, as the summer begins, I want to encourage every family to keep that momentum going.

Learning doesn't stop in May. To help your child stay engaged, we offer resources with age-appropriate reading materials and activities supporting their academic growth, designed to keep young minds active and curious over the break. We're also proud to host various MSCS Summer Camps, from academics and the arts to sports and skills development. Most are free or low-cost, and many are hosted in partnership with trusted community organizations. If your student enjoys athletics, encourage them to stay active. If they're passionate about music or visual art, let them explore that. From building a positive attitude to staying strong in academics, arts, and athletics, these are all ways to prepare for a successful return in the fall. And of course, good attendance habits begin with being present, this summer and beyond.

I want to share my 100-Day Plan (linked here) with you so you can stay informed and engaged with the priorities and initiatives driving our work across the district. Your feedback and partnership are key as we move forward together. Later this summer, families can expect more information about our plans for the 2025-2026 school year. We'll share important dates, updates, and ways to stay connected as we continue building toward our shared vision: making MSCS the nation's #1 public urban school district.

Thank you again for your trust, partnership, and belief in what's possible.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and enriching summer,

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Let’s Finish the Year Strong, Together! 

Dear MSCS Families, 

As we step into this final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to personally thank you, our incredible parents, caregivers, and families, for all that you do to support your children and our schools. Your encouragement, patience, and presence help us build not just strong students, but a strong Memphis-Shelby County Schools family. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the joy of walking the halls of our schools, celebrating students at college and career day events, meeting with teachers and community partners, and sharing our vision for what’s ahead. Each visit reminds me of the brilliance that lives in our classrooms and just how far we’ve come together. And as your Interim Superintendent, I’m proud to be standing with you as we push forward to our shared goal: making MSCS the #1 public urban school district in the nation. 

As we approach testing season, I want to encourage every family to help us finish strong. Whether it’s TCAP, EOCs, or AP exams, this is our moment to show what we’ve learned and how far we've grown. One of the best ways you can support your child during this time is by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and have the encouragement they need to walk into school confident and focused. We can’t do this alone – your child’s success is rooted in our partnership. 

Students: I'm talking to you now! As the weather warms and summer draws closer, I need each of you to make smart, positive choices. Stay focused, be kind to others, and represent your school and your family well. The decisions you make now impact the opportunities you’ll have tomorrow. Let’s finish this year with pride, joy, and purpose so we can all return in the fall, ready to rise even higher. 

Together, let’s lock in, level up, and lead forward. The finish line is in sight, and I believe in each of you. 

With gratitude and partnership, 

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D. 

Interim Superintendent 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

Dear MSCS Families, 

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you, our parents, guardians, and families, for your unwavering support in keeping our students focused and on track for success. Your dedication to your children’s education makes a tremendous impact, and together, we are ensuring that every student in Memphis-Shelby County Schools finishes this school year strong! 

At MSCS, we are on a mission to become the nation's #1 public urban school district. It will take all of us, families, educators, and community partners, working together to make this vision a reality. I’m committed to ensuring that every student has access to the high-quality education they deserve, and that means building strong partnerships, aligning our strategies for success, and ensuring that every voice is heard in the process. 

This past month has been filled with meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts that will help move our district forward, including:

• Faith Leaders in Memphis: I had the honor of meeting with faith leaders from across the city to discuss ways we can collaborate to expand public education opportunities in Memphis. Our faith communities play a crucial role in supporting students and families, and I look forward to strengthening these partnerships. 

• Strategic Planning Board Retreat: Our Board of Education and I worked closely with the Council of the Great City Schools to develop a long-term strategy for advancing academic excellence in MSCS. We are aligning our priorities to ensure that every student is positioned for success. 

• Meeting with State Officials: I met with Tennessee State Board of Education leaders to discuss shared goals for student achievement and ways to collaborate to elevate public education across our district. These discussions are essential as we continue advocating for the resources and policies that best serve our students. 

• Celebrating the Arts in Our Schools: I had the privilege of attending the Side-by-Side concert presented by Orff Music, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and Snowden School. Seeing our students perform alongside world-class musicians was a powerful reminder of the talent and potential that exists within our schools. The arts play an invaluable role in education, and we remain committed to fostering creativity and self-expression in our students. 

As we push forward, I ask for your continued partnership in ensuring that our students stay focused, engaged, and prepared for the opportunities ahead. Let’s continue working together to make MSCS a national leader in public education! Thank you for being a part of the MSCS family. I am excited about what we will accomplish together. 

With gratitude and partnership, 

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D. 

Interim Superintendent 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

Dear MSCS Families, 

As I continue to visit schools, meet with educators, and connect with families across our district, I am reminded every day of the deep commitment and love that define our Memphis-Shelby County Schools community. From the classrooms where our children learn and grow to the hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds filled with their laughter and dreams, I see a district that is united by a shared purpose—ensuring the success and well-being of every student. 

Our schools are not just buildings; they are homes where lifelong learning begins, and families are at the heart of that journey. As John Maxwell so wisely put it, “If you want to do something big, you must link up with others. One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” This belief guides my leadership and fuels my commitment to working alongside you—our dedicated parents, caregivers, educators, and community members—because it truly takes all of us to create the best opportunities for our children. 

We have important work ahead, but we are stronger when we move forward together. No challenge is too great when we stand as one, and every success, big or small, deserves to be celebrated because it represents a step forward for our children and their futures. 

Let’s continue to support, uplift, and encourage one another with the mindset that we are all in this together. Our students are counting on us, and I have no doubt that, as a united MSCS family, we will rise to meet every challenge and embrace every opportunity ahead. 

With gratitude and partnership, 

Roderick F. Richmond, Ed.D. 

Interim Superintendent 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools