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 MSCS is tied to the economic vitality of Greater Memphis.

Together, we MUST BELIEVE.

Together, we WILL ACHIEVE.

Together, we are REIMAGINING 901.

MSCS Expands Partnership with Amazon

for Boot-Up Coding Program

The Amazon Boot-Up Coding program teaches students and teachers about computer coding to prepare them for life in the 21st Century world. The District nearing completion of its second year as part of the multi-year BootUp and Amazon Future Engineer initiative that introduces computer science literacy to all K-5 students.

Through this program, Amazon is funding computer science education and teacher professional development in districts across the country. This effort helps expand the number of qualified educators in each district, builds broader programming capacity, and targets additional stability and sustainability for computer science education at participating schools.

Check out the video clip that highlights how the District is expanding the collaborative initiative.

Click here to read more.

VO-TECH HAS EVOLVED: Two MSCS Juniors Achieve Highest Honor as Master Barbers

Two Juniors at Sheffield High Career and Technology Center are crafting their way into history, earning a Master Barber’s license well before graduating. Siyus Gibson was the first Memphis-Shelby County Schools' student at age 16 to earn the certification under new Tennessee age requirements set in May 2021. Just months later, 16-year-old Abigail Cosme earned her license; the first female 16-year-old barber in the District. Both Siyus and Abigail developed a passion for cutting hair after being placed in the College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) program.

Click here to read more.

MSCS Hosts Inaugural Memphis Grizzlies Combine

in Partnership with Nike

Health is wealth! Our students were WINNERS at the inaugural Memphis Grizzlies Combine in partnership with Nike. This new physical education initiative was designed to combat concerning BMI trends while encouraging overall health and wellness by leveraging the excitement of an NBA team.

Thanks to all partners who made this initiative a success. A special congrats to our champions at Newberry Elementary as well as other schools who participated in the inaugural combine!

MSCS Celebrates Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month! MSCS honors the trailblazing women of our District and their contributions to education. Your work moves mountains! MSCS appreciates the dedication and commitment displayed every day to help every student succeed. Make sure to follow ALL MSCS social media platforms as we recognize and highlight the hard work of women in our District!

MSCS Celebrates International SEL DAY

As part of our ongoing commitment to raising Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) awareness, MSCS is joining communities across the world to spread awareness during the third annual International SEL Day.

If we've learned nothing else during this pandemic, it's that mental health matters. Children and adults need resources, support, and coping skills to overcome tough times. Through our SEL curriculum model, we acquire and apply the knowledge and techniques to develop healthy identities and manage emotions.

This year, the theme of International SEL Day is Finding Common Ground, Pursuing Common Good. This topic particularly resonates with me because it aligns closely with our District's belief –– we are stronger TOGETHER.

SEL teaches us to achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. In short, we learn how to be good, caring, successful people.

Click here for more information about SEL services and programs.

Creative Student Art Celebrated in 2022 Black History Month Fine Arts Contest

MSCS is proud of the various student engagements for the 2022 Black History Month Fine Arts Contest. Scholars in grades 3-12 from multiple cultural backgrounds translated the theme, “I Belong and I Will Change the World By…” into creative art.

Submissions, reflective of the contest theme, were judged by these categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. In partnership with the MSCS Equity and Access Office and Peer Power, the following winners were presented monetary prizes. Click here to read more.

REIMAGINING 901: Community Call to Action

Facebook.com/ShelbyCountySchools

@scsk12unifed

@scsk12unifed

MSCS and Poplar Healthcare to Offer Free COVID Testing

for Students and Employees During Spring Break

As part of our ongoing partnership with Poplar Healthcare, Memphis-Shelby County Schools will offer free COVID-19 testing for its students and employees during Spring Break (March 14-18) and March 21-25.

Testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Board of Education (160 N. Hollywood St.) and at select schools, which can be found here.

MSCS ReadyGrads - Kingsbury High Students Take

Top Prizes at Welding Competition

Congratulations to Kingsbury High CCTE students Juan and Pedro for placing 1st and 2nd in the Delta Tech Community College Welding Competition!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE! CCTE students across the District have earned 4,058 industry certifications! We're steadily climbing to 5,000 certifications!

Click here to learn more about CCTE.

Join the CCTE Team!

Support teachers as a CCTE 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!

REIMAGINE A CAREER WITH MSCS!

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS IS HIRING! Community members are invited to learn more about our open positions including skilled craftsmen, academic support, behavioral health, truck drivers, electricians, and more!

MSCS offers competitive wages, excellent benefits, and fantastic opportunities to take your career to the next level.

Click here to learn more about these amazing opportunities.

Secure Your Child's Spot Today!

Medical District High School Applications Now Open!

Do you have a child interested in pursuing a career in the medical field? Medical District High School offers students access to college courses and job certifications in high-demand fields, including Allied Health and Information Technology. Space is limited. Secure your spot today!

Click here to learn more.

School Choice Online Application Now Open!

The School Choice online application is now open! Whether you’re looking for a school with a specialized learning focus and competitive entry requirements, an innovative setting to meet your child’s unique learning needs or a traditional setting in your neighborhood with a broad set of courses and extracurricular offerings, we’ve got the most choices for students and families. Search for any school by grade level or program.

Click here to learn more.

Rock En-Rollment: Early Registration for 2022-23 School Year Now Open

Early ONLINE registration for the 2022-23 school year is NOW OPEN for all students. Parents are asked to contact our Student Equity Enrollment & Discipline (S.E.E.D.) office for any questions at 901-416-6007.

Click here to learn more.

MSCS Weekly Gems

With over 100,000 students, MSCS has a lot to be proud of and we want to make sure you don't miss our brightest moments through our "Weekly Gems" Series!

This video features many highlights including:

• Sheffield CTC Juniors Siyus Gibson & Abigail Cosme are the first MSCS students to earn a Master Barber’s license before graduation. The 16-year-olds developed a passion for cutting hair in the MSCS CCTE program.

• MSCS students attended the Grizz Combine this week. This physical education event promoted overall health and wellness. The combine included an ALL GIRLS finale competition on the Grizz home floor. Congratulations to the champions Newberry ES!

• It's National School Social Workers Week! MSCS schools took to social media to show appreciation for their school social worker’s dedication to help students succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

Take a look to see all the highlights!

ESSER IN ACTION:

Learn How MSCS 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) funding. As MSCS 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. 

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

Third Grade Commitment



MSCS identifies student achievement as its highest priority. The Board voted on a revision to Policy 5013 Promotion and Retention which ensured we hold district and school leaders, teachers, and all stakeholders accountable towards ensuring MSCS students have the necessary reading skills to be successful before they reach the third grade.

The 3rd Grade Commitment is a collaborative effort between schools, parents, and our community towards ensuring we all work together to best help MSCS students reach reading readiness before the third grade.

Click here to learn more about the Third Grade Commitment.

Memphis Shelby County Schools' Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray talks 'Reimagining 901' - Local24

"Memphis girl earns master barber license at just 16" - WREG

"Bolton band director a Remarkable Woman at just 22" - WREG

"Memphis-Shelby County Schools opens new Family Wellness Centers to help students" - Local24

Missed last week's edition of the Bridge? Click here!

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.