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January 13, 2021
The breach of the U.S. Capitol may have caused students to feel a variety of emotions. Our Social Studies Dept. compiled a set of resources to help facilitate a conversation. Read more.
The New required Teams course is open Jan.18 - Mar. 5! CADRE918 is required for the Spring Break Flex Days.
It's time to NOMINATE your school's Teacher of the Year! Submit your nominations by Jan. 22! See the flyer for more details.
NOW HIRING: Positions for the Virtual Saturday Learning Academy are available thru Jan.18, incl. K-12 regular & special education teachers, as well as site administrators. Apply now.
Educator feedback is critical to developing our District Budget. Please complete this survey by Jan. 22 to assist Board members in shaping budget priorities for the 2021-22 school year.
Jan. 13-29: i-Ready Winter Diagnostic
Jan. 15: Portfolio Point A Submissions Due
Jan. 18: Virtual Saturday Academy Positions (NEW)
Jan. 18: Required Teams Course Opens
Jan. 22: 2021-22 Budget Input Due (NEW)
Jan. 30: Virtual School Choice Showcase
Important i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Reminders! (NEW)

The i-Ready Winter Diagnostic window opened this week, and remote testing will continue through January 29. Below are key reminders to have a successful testing window and gather good data!
 
  1. Partner with Families: Creating a strong partnership with families is the most important step when assessing from home. This is particularly important with families of younger students, who may be more tempted to help. Use the tips and tools in this kit to support families.
  2. Prepare and Motivate Students: Use the appropriate grade-level slides in this deck to facilitate a lesson with students.
  3. Actively Proctor Remotely: Learn from the promising practices of a teacher who did this successfully in the fall.
  4. Use the Diagnostic Status Report to monitor completion.
  5. For all tips and tools when assessing at home, visit i-ReadyCentral.com/AssessAtHome. For more guidance from SCS, visit: www.scsk12.org/ireadydiagnostic.
Upcoming PD Opportunity for K-5 ELA Teachers! (NEW)

K-5 ELA teachers, mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 19,
4 - 5:30 p.m. for a virtual session on Gradual Release of Responsibility and Wonders: Exploring the Instructional Routines.

PLZ credit will be provided. Register TODAY!

TDOE & TSIN Extend Winter STE(A)M Resource Hub thru March! (NEW)

The Winter STE(A)M Resource Hub, which provides weekly challenges to guide students and families in problem-solving, working collaboratively and exploring different careers and pathways, is being extended through March.

The following schedule for the month of January highlights the various topics students will explore while completing the weekly challenges. View the flyer for more information.

  • Jan. 13-15: Space Science
  • Jan. 18-22: Data Science
  • Jan. 25-29: Arts, Technology & Communications
New C&I e-Newsletter for ELA Teachers! (NEW)

The C & I English-Language Arts Department is excited to share the Quarter 2 issue of SCS Literacy Curriculum Spotlight, the e-Newsletter highlighting valuable curriculum resources, opportunities and updates for K-12 ELA teachers. View the e-Newsletter to read about some of the great things happening with literacy in our District.
New Info on Praxis & Licensure Exam Support! (NEW)

View this document for new resources to help with the Praxis and Licensure Exam, including study guides, tutoring schedules an an info session recording. Also, please complete this interest survey by Friday, January 15.
Are you a highly impactful CERTIFIED teacher?
Homework Hotline has an opportunity for you!

Are you a highly impactful certified teacher? If so, your talents are needed to provide after-school tutoring and homework help via phone and internet for elementary, middle and high school students Monday-Thursday from 4-8 p.m. If you are interested in serving as a Homework Hotline tutor, please review the job description. The application deadline is Friday, January 15.

If you are contacted for an interview, please be prepared to take and pass an ELA and Math skills test. If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Erin Luster at lusterey@scsk12.org.
2021 Summer School Curriculum Writers Needed! (NEW)

If you're interested in writing Summer School Curriculum, please visit the Summer School website for more information. The deadline is Tuesday, January 19. For questions, please contact Denise Swan, swand@scsk12.org.
Wonders Updates for ELA Teachers & Support Staff

The login information for the Wonders District demo account is changing starting January 2021. Please use the username and password information below:

Username: TNELA2019
Password: TNReview2019

*Note: If you are a teacher with your own single sign-on access through Clever and Canvas, please continue to use your login information. The new credentials above are for those who do not have single sign-on access (i.e. ESL, SPED, Coaches, etc.).

Attention, NEW K-2 teachers: Need ways to build knowledge and connect w/ colleagues? (NEW)

Are you a new teacher who would like to know more about K-2 Foundational Skills? Learn more about how you can join a K-2 Affinity Group so you can grow professionally while being part of a safe community of colleagues.
Attend the TN Council for the Social Studies Virtual Conference for FREE! (NEW)

The Tennessee Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference is an opportunity to rejuvenate and investigate teaching strategies as well as collaborate with some of the leaders in social studies education. While attending this year's virtual conference, teachers will be able to learn from their choice of over 40 presentations by social studies researchers and practitioners. Click here to sign up! The submission window closes Friday, January 15.

Remind your students to complete their First Scholars applications by February 1! (NEW)

First Scholars empowers students to make the most of their college experience and prepare for life beyond graduation. The program delivers multiple levels of support, including a full-time program coordinator and peer mentors to help First Scholars address the unique challenges first-gen students face.

The Deadline to apply is Monday, February 1. Check out the flyer for more information.
Dive in DEEP with RTI2: Spring Academy Zone Level Workshop Series

The RTI2 Team is hosting a 3-part Academy Series focused on planning and executing high-quality intervention instruction. Come dive in and DEEPen your practices for providing differentiated instruction to address the needs of all learners. View the flyer for more information and be sure to share with any staff member responsible for providing intervention instruction. You can find the session times here.

The Memphis Soul Prize is back!
Learn how your school can WIN big! (NEW)

Have you heard of the Memphis Soul Prize? It’s a city-wide poetry competition for high school students aimed at UNITING
our hearts, CELEBRATING our artists, and ELEVATING our city!

SCS high school students have the opportunity to enter a city-wide poetry contest, and we would love to have representation from your school! Students must enter a school-wide contest first, and each school must have a Teacher Contest Sponsor. An interest meeting for all interested Teacher-Sponsors will be held on Wednesday,
January 20, 3:30 p.m. via Teams. If you are interested in hosting this contest at your school, please RSVP using this survey.
 Connect with SCS on social media! #SCSis901