THE BRIDGE weekly update is a platform to keep stakeholders connected and informed about upcoming events and District initiatives. 

We are THE BRIDGE to our community’s identity. The authentic character and soul that defines the 901 is reflected in every one of our schools. We are the second-largest employer and our graduates fuel the local workforce — the success of SCS is tied to the economic vitality of Greater Memphis.

Together, we MUST BELIEVE.

Together, we WILL ACHIEVE.

Together, we are REIMAGINING 901.

Welcome Back - Let's Stay the Course!

Good afternoon and Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a safe and rejuvenating holiday break. The District is excited to welcome our staff, students, and families back TODAY. As we kick off the new semester, we’re urging everyone to STAY THE COURSE for SAFETY. In September 2021, amid changes to mask legislation, the District stayed the course and the Tennessee Department of Health reported SCS and Metro Nashville as having the lowest cumulative COVID-19 case rates in the state (citing school districts that require masks in class have the lowest coronavirus rates for children ages 0-18 years old). Masks and vaccinations work and have been proven to help slow the spread of this virus. SCS has led the way for safety throughout this unprecedented time. Let’s stay the course.

Mask Requirements, Latest CDC Guidance, and Safety Tips

• Our safety protocols remain in place: mask-wearing is required for students and staff indoors and on school buses regardless of vaccination status; social distancing will continue to be practiced wherever possible.

• The District’s Contact Tracing team will stay the course and tracing will continue to be conducted by a team of trained nurses and health educators in accordance with the most recent CDC and Shelby County Health Department guidelines. Members of our Contract Tracing team will provide guidance to staff and students who are exposed to COVID-19 regarding quarantine and isolation.

• To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others, 
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you.
• Wash your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer.
• Monitor your health daily.

Let’s stay the course.

Virtual Learning

We want to issue a reminder that based on a 2021 Tennessee State Board of Education rule, entire school districts are NOT permitted to transition to full remote/virtual instruction. Individual schools may seek waivers of this rule, but in several instances, waivers have not been granted by the Tennessee Department of Education. Click on the links for additional information/talking points: English / Español.

COVID-19 Testing Update

• As part of our goal to help track and stop the spread of the coronavirus, SCS began offering bi-weekly COVID-19 testing in partnership with Poplar Healthcare at the start of the 2021-22 school year. Through the Test to Protect Our Schools​ program, students and staff have the option to receive a nasal swab, PCR COVID-19 test at school or at the Board Office.

• Together with Poplar Healthcare, SCS was one of the only school districts in the county to offer COVID-19 testing to District staff and employees throughout the winter break.

• NEW WEEKLY TESTING: Beginning Monday, January 17, nasal swab testing will be offered weekly​ at each school location and at the Board of Education Office at 160 South Hollywood. During the fall semester, swab teams were visiting schools on a two-week rotation; during the spring semester, students and staff will have the option to be tested weekly.

• If an SCS parent/guardian completed a consent form for their child to participate in the nasal swab testing and your child was swabbed last semester, there is no need to do anything. Their children will be offered a test on the day of each week designated for their school.

• If an SCS parent/guardian DID NOT complete a consent form and their child DID NOT participate in nasal swab testing last semester, they must click the link below to register for weekly testing: https://hipaa.jotform.com/poplarhealthcare/SCS-patient-auth-consent

Gun Violence

Gun violence, as you know, has been at an alarmingly high rate within the past year, but it will not deter us from pooling all available resources to ensure that our children are in safe, conducive environments that will foster and facilitate greatness in the classrooms. 

As I have previously said, “Before children can learn, they must first feel SAFE.” We are staying the course to ramp up our trauma-response supports to keep our schools safe and are offering more mental health services. Director Toney Armstrong is finalizing his safety assessment of our schools, and we look forward to sharing an update soon.

Literacy is Life

In Memphis-Shelby County Schools, we believe “Literacy is Life.” One of the top priorities of Reimagining 901 is to strengthen early and continuing literacy. We all realize just how critical literacy is to the long-term success of students. As we reimagine education, we’re focused on realigning our daily practices and instruction to once again operate as a student-centered organization. We are at a pivotal point in our District and I’m unapologetic about academic achievement. I will continue to reinforce our goal to move from intervention to innovation. As you’ve heard me say, it’s easier to burn a house than to build one. We’re into building, and we need CHANGE CHAMPIONS to help build bridges and connect people through education.

Let’s stay the course. It's not too late to help us REIMAGINE a healthier 901 and protect the future of our students! Think about it like this, a river cuts through a rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence. No doubt, this pandemic has taught us lessons in resilience. Brighter days are ahead, but we must be relentless and persevere to keep SAFETY and LITERACY as key priorities as we enter 2022.

Again, we are excited to welcome back our SCS Family!

3rd Annual Ray of Hope: Spreading Holiday Cheer

Days before Christmas, we had an opportunity to spread some holiday cheer to nine SCS families, one from each School Board district. As part of the annual Ray of Hope giving event, we surprised the deserving families with special gifts on their wish lists! The gifts were made possible thanks to generous donors and business sponsors.

Click here to read more.

Grahamwood Gives Back! Elementary Students Collect and Donate Over 400 Pairs of Shoes

Students at Grahamwood Elementary researched the shoe-making process from start to finish for a STEM project, but wanted to do more for the community. They collected and donated more than 400 pairs of shoes for those in need in the 901!

We're proud to see our students learning as well as serving the community!

SCS Ready Grads - CCTE & Ford Partnership Equips Scholars for Automotive Industry

As the SCS Division of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) expands resources and opportunities beyond the classroom, Ford Motor Company gifted students with tools to help them be successful through a continued partnership. Students in three high schools - Bolton, Cordova and Germantown - were presented gifts for excelling in their courses and passing their certifications with high marks. Click here to read more about this valuable partnership.

Formally referred to as Vocational Technology (Vo-Tech), CCTE is how we're reimagining education and preparing students for college and careers while in high school.

It’s the most valuable high school experience a student can get! From STEM, business and manufacturing to health services, hospitality, IT, and many more, students have access to dozens of college courses and job certifications in high-demand fields while they’re in high school. Plus, our Early College programs allow students to take courses for credit on local college campuses, and our industry partners provide exciting opportunities for internships and job placement.

Click here to learn more.

Support teachers as a CTE Advisor with the Division of College, Career, and Technical Education. An Advisor helps build CCTE curriculum to ensure student college and career readiness.

Click here to apply!

Optional Schools Fair: January 9

SCS is hosting its annual Optional Schools Fair on Sunday, January 9! Families are invited to the University Center at the University of Memphis from 1:00PM to 4:00PM to learn more about the 40+ unique and competitive programs we have to offer.

To learn more, click here.

Esser In Action:

Learn How SCS is Utilizing COVID-19 Relief Funding to Support District Improvements

The District has begun solidifying approximately $503 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) 3.0 funding. As SCS reimagines education, schools, and communities, we’re continuing to use research-based strategies over the next

3-5 years to address equitable academic opportunities and learning gaps with COVID-19 relief funding. 

Water Bottle Filling Stations Coming Soon To All Schools

As we're reimagining schools, we have invested $5 million of ESSER (COVID-19 relief funds) to purchase and install 3,000 bottle filling stations in all District-managed schools and administration buildings.

These filling stations will minimize plastic waste, reduce costs and provide better-tasting, filtered water.

For more information on how SCS is using ESSER 3.0 funds, click here.

In Case You Missed It

Preparing Our Hearts for the Holidays

3rd Grade Commitment

One of the top priorities of Reimagining 901 is to strengthen early and continuing literacy. It’s not breaking news to say we realize just how critical literacy is to the long-term success for students throughout their education. It is why SCS developed the 3rd Grade Commitment to outline precisely how we will ensure that our students are strong readers upon entering 3rd grade.

Our Academics and Communications teams have put together and promoted literacy exercises for our younger learners that I hope families will take advantage of over the winter break. The 3rd Grade Commitment is NOT about retention or failing students, it’s about ensuring a path to promotion and making sure all students have the reading skills they will need in the 3rd grade.

2021 National School Public Relations Association - Superintendents to Watch

As Superintendent, I am honored to be named one of the 2021 Superintendents to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

I also send a special congratulations to my fellow superintendents who have been recognized by NSPRA. Life as we know it changed around us amid the coronavirus pandemic, bringing forward the urgency to communicate and tell our story of innovation.

Leading a school district is an exceptional task that bears great responsibility and I’m honored to lead the very District where I was once a student.

This annual award recognizes school district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Click here to read more on this esteemed honor.

TN Education Commissioner Visit

The Tennessee Education Commissioner, Dr. Penny Schwinn, visited Sherwood Elementary with Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray last week to witness the progress and instruction happening at SCS.

Dr. Schwinn's visit was followed by the announcement that four schools in the Achievement School District will return to Shelby County Schools for the 2022-23 school year.

“We are focused on doing what is best for all Tennessee students and ensuring they get what they deserve,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “The department has been working closely with Shelby County Schools to focus on how to make this a seamless transition for the families, parents, staff, and educators and to best serve our students and ensure they receive a high-quality education.”

Read Around the Christmas Tree - THANK YOU!

In support of the District’s Third Grade Commitment, the Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE), along with the Offices of Academics and Communications, hosted the annual Read Around the Christmas Tree. Themed around holiday classics such as The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the event featured one-on-one and small group reading from community partners serving as guest readers. Additionally, the annual event supports family literacy through contributions to students’ home libraries.

Amazon Special Delivery at Lucie E. Campbell Elementary 

A special thank you to Amazon for providing a special delivery for Lucie E. Campbell Elementary’s Angel Tree. We are grateful for partnerships like these, especially during the Holiday Season.

Team Morant Surprises Dunbar Elementary with Special Gifts

We're grateful for this GIVING season! Team Morant and family (dad and uncle) provided all students at Dunbar Elementary with coats, special staff gifts, and sponsored wish lists. 

SCS Employees Recognized for Their Impact in Education During the Pandemic

Shelby County Schools (SCS) received the most recognitions in the education categories of the eighth annual SPARK awards by cityCurrent in partnership with WKNO. The occasion recognizes individuals for their philanthropic work in our communities. SCS walked away with two of the three awards:

Education Leadership - Dr. Patricia Bafford, SCS Health Services Director

Education Educator - Allyson Chick, Richland Elementary School C.L.U.E. teacher

The theme of The SPARK November 2021 is "Teaming Up for a Healthy Community." Videos of Dr. Bafford and Ms. Chick highlight their responsibilities at SCS and how they handled their roles during the pandemic.

Click here to read about these achievements in detail.

In addition, Dr. Bafford received the Shelby County Mayor’s Shining Star Award. The award recognizes public servants in local government and the community whose contributions have made a significant impact. Click here to read more.

SCS Invites Local Businesses to Support Upcoming Internship Program

As we continue to connect our students with valuable resources to prepare them for the workforce, we are inviting business leaders to join SCS in hosting junior and senior students as interns within their organization as part of a new Business Recruitment Program.

Click here to register and learn how you can support this impactful program.

The Shelby County Board of Education Newsletters serve as updates for community stakeholders, families, and employees about information discussed during the monthly Board Committee Meetings. 

Click here to access the newsletters.

Supporting SCS is a meaningful way to impact the future

of Memphis and Shelby County.

Facebook.com/ShelbyCountySchools

@scsk12unifed

@scsk12unifed