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November 3, 2021
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
- John Dewey
National School Psychology Week is Nov. 8-12, and this year's theme is "Let's Get in GEAR!" Help us celebrate by letting your school psychologists know how much you appreciate the HEART work they do for your schools! If you make a post, tag SCS on social media so we can see!
Our favorite winter giving tradition is back for the sixth year. Operation Warm Hearts will take place Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7am - 6pm, in front of the Board of Education. Once again, this year’s event is being held in connection with the national Giving Tuesday initiative!
SCS's 5 Star Service Award re-launched Monday! You can nominate schools each month that have the BEST customer service practices. Winning schools will be highlighted every month! Need to know what we're looking for? Click here!
Save the Date! Hepatitis B Vaccinations begin Nov. 15-19 at the SCS Family Care Center on Flicker Street. You MUST present your SCS badge to receive the vaccine. View the flyer for more important details.
As we approach Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the HR team wants to salute and spotlight SCS employees who have served or are presently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Hero Wall submissions will be accepted thru Nov. 5. Learn more here!
Congratulations Think Pink Winners!
THANK YOU to every department that participated in the Think Pink challenge! The HR department enjoyed watching ALL the videos that were submitted.
Congratulations to the Compensation Department for winning this year's challenge! Terinni Stafford will be contacting your department to schedule your lunch.
Nominate exceptional teachers to apply for SCS Teacher of the Year!

Do you know an exceptional teacher who embodies the highest level of instructional expertise and professionalism? We invite you to nominate them for SCS Teacher of the Year!

The Teacher of the Year program seeks to recognize our best and brightest teachers. In addition, our District Teacher of the Year will go on to represent SCS in TN Teacher of the Year application process. To submit a nomination, click here. If you have questions, contact scsinduction@scsk12.org.
Equity Champions, don't miss our next session! (NEW)

We aim to deliver and co-labor with our Office of Equity to build a beloved community for all SCS scholars. Please register to attend the next opportunity on Tuesday, November 9, or delegate an Equity Champion at your school to attend the professional learning in our series.

Participants should bring a copy of the book Biased that was distributed to all Equity Champions last year. All Equity Champions will receive PLZ credit. Click here for the theme and times for these intentional sessions. Please register in PLZ!
Open enrollment ends on November 12! (NEW)
Benefits will offer two virtual benefit sessions during open enrollment. Virtual sessions will be held Thursday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 9 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. You must use Microsoft Teams via computer or app to participate in these sessions (more details to come).
Passed the Praxis Exam? Let's celebrate! (NEW)

Passing a Praxis Exam is a HUGE accomplishment! If you passed your Praxis this year, we would like to acknowledge and reward you! Click here to register for your award.
Get an ESL endorsement for FREE!
Are you a certified classroom teacher interested in getting your ESL endorsement? Select candidates may qualify to receive their ESL endorsement for FREE! Apply by Friday, November 5.
K-3 ELA teachers, are you looking to deepen your knowledge around teaching foundational literacy?

SCS, in collaboration with TDOE, will host an additional Week 2 Early Reading Training for K-3 ELA teachers. Interested licensed K-3 ELA teachers that did not attend the summer trainings may apply.

Please Note: This cohort is limited to 50 participants. Interested K-3 ELA teachers should apply using the link found here. Cohort selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Timeliness of the submission of the completed application. 
  • Current classroom teacher of K-3 ELA with valid TN teaching license.
  • Completing week one's ERT (For additional details from TDOE regarding accessing week one's asynchronous training, please click here.)
  • Ability to attend all in-person trainings held after school November 15, 16, 18, 29, 30, and
December 2.
  • Ability to attend all live virtual sessions after school December 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, and 16.

For additional information email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org.
Commit-2-Three Literacy Pledge!

We are excited to kick off our "Commit-2-Three Literacy Pledge!" This video will provide an overview of the components of the 3GC pledge. In addition, please see 3GC "Commit-2-Three Literacy Pledge" and 3GC Student Book Challenge Log to help support your schools' implementation of the 3GC pledge. We request that your school create a video that focuses on how your school will commit to 3rd graders. Please submit all videos to thirdgradecommitment@scsk12.org no later than November 11.
News YOU can use from C&I Math!

All Mathematics lessons should begin with a Do Now. Take a look at the Do Now presentation to see what it looks like in the context of a lesson for ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science.

Click on the appropriate grade band to access Quarter 2 Standard Aligned Items that can be used for Do Nows, Exit Tickets, and CFAs.

Grades 2-8 math teachers, Ready Math lessons have been aligned with the TN standards and the math prescriptions should be used as a supplement during instruction. The Math Prescriptions follow the scope and sequence found within the Shelby County Schools curriculum maps. Click here for a voiceover of the Math Prescription.
 Connect with SCS on social media! #SCSis901