Oct. 19, 2023

Every October, National Principals Month shines a spotlight on the transformative power of our school principals. These leaders, with their resolute vision and unwavering dedication, aren’t merely running schools—they’re molding futures, shaping communities, and paving pathways to success for every student.

The role of a principal stretches far beyond administrative duties. Their leadership has a deep-seated impact on the very heart of education, making principals the second most influential force inside a school, just after effective teaching. Their influence radiates outwards, touching all facets of a school and significantly influencing student outcomes.

This month we are specifically honoring our wonderful principals in MSCS. Your work doesn't go unnoticed! This work couldn't be done without YOU! Thank you!

Social engineering is when cybercriminals look to psychologically manipulate victims using emotions like urgency, fear, and the natural human instinct to want to help and solve problems. The goal of these attacks is to trick the target into performing an action — clicking on a link, sharing credentials, or even providing payment in some form — that will allow the hacker to infiltrate your organization or profit in some way.

• 75% of organizations rank social engineering as their top cybersecurity threat.
• More than 90% of cyber attacks involve some form of social engineering, a manipulation tactic where a hacker exploits human frailty to gain private information.

MSCS 2024 Open Enrollment

Annual MSCS Open Enrollment for active employees will begin Wednesday, Nov. 1 and continue through Wednesday, Nov. 15 (changes will be effective as of 1/1/2024).

Important Reminders during this Open Enrollment period:

• If you are an FSA participant, you must elect your coverage levels for 2024:
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• You will have the opportunity to enroll in new plans and opt-out of any plans you no longer wish to participate in for 2024.

• Access Bentek (our online enrollment system) at this link www.mybentek.com/mscs to review your demographic information, current MSCS elections and life insurance beneficiary information.

• Access Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) https://mytcrs.tn.gov/ to view your TCRS beneficiary information.

• The 2024 Benefits Guide will be available on the website soon; click here to view the benefits homepage for current information.

Upcoming Vendor Forums

Benefits will host Vendor Forums to allow employees the opportunity to gain more knowledge about available options. These forums will help employees with planning and could assist with financial protection for unexpected occurrences. MSCS Benefits, Cigna, Empower and Voluntary Disability representatives (American Fidelity, AFLAC, and Colonial) will be present. Click HERE to view the Vendor Forum Schedule.

Please click HERE to complete registration.

Think Pink 2023

Show us how you Think Pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness! Think Pink 2023 runs Oct. 1-31. Schools and department staff have the opportunity to win a smoothie happy hour!

Click HERE to view the contest rules.

Employee Perks & Discounts

The Macy's Wolfchase Galleria Private Shopping Event for MSCS employees will take place on Oct. 28 from 8-10am.

Bring your MSCS ID. Click HERE to learn more.

The savings continue! Get 40% off most merchandise at the Nike Employee Store - Memphis (select merchandise available to employees only).

No pre-registration is required. All MSCS employees are welcome to shop at the Nike Company Store - Memphis from Oct. 1-31.

To learn more information and view disclaimers, click HERE.

Enjoy exclusive discounts as an MSCS employee at Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) from Oct. 24-26.

Be sure to bring your MSCS ID to receive your discounts. Learn more HERE.

2023-24 Evaluation Certifications

Non-Instructional Evaluation Certification - Per MSCS Board Policy 4020, "Supervisors are responsible for adhering to the evaluation process and providing timely feedback to improve the performance of evaluated employees."

Click HERE for guidance on NIE Certification.  

SY2023-2024 NIE Evaluator Certification Training Calendar

Instructional Evaluation Certification - According to Tennessee State Board of Education policy 5.201, all educators must be evaluated annually by a certified evaluator.  

• TEM - Click HERE  for guidance on becoming TEM Certified. 
• TEAM (Managed by the TDOE) - Click HERE for guidance on becoming TEAM Certified. *Be sure to select TRAINING FOR ADMINISTRATOR certification. (Please forward a copy of the completed TEAM Certificate to eps@scsk12.org)
• Questions or concerns? Send an email to eps@scsk12.org.

NIE Goal Setting Conference

The NIE Goal-Setting CONFERENCE window is open!  

ALL required fields should be completed in its entirety before finalizing.

*Please be reminded, the deadline to complete ALL NIE Goal-Setting Conferences in PLZ is Nov. 3.

Don't hesitate to reach out to the EPS office, should you have any questions, by phone, at 901.416.2475 or via email at eps@scsk12.org. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

Red flags are signs of danger or a problem. Protect yourself and your organization from cybercriminals by being aware of common red flags and actions you can take to stay safe.

This week’s flyer highlights common red flags to look out for: Social Engineering Red Flags.



KnowBe4 Training - Complete by Nov. 1! Head over to KnowBe4 and complete your Quarter 1 Cyber Security Training. By gaining knowledge and expertise in identifying phishing scams, your personal data becomes more secure and less likely to become a victim of phishing and identify theft. Complete the course TODAY!

In your KnowBe4 Library you will find elective modules under the Recommended by Your Organization heading. Complete each module, video, or game and gain greater skills in becoming a MSCS Cyber Hero! All module/training completions are tracked through your KnowBe4 portal.

This Week's Recommendations: 

• Cyber Snaps Series: Social Engineering
• Social Engineering Game Show

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and other conditions can cause a pregnancy to end before or during birth. Infant death can be caused by preterm birth, birth defects, and other health conditions. MSCS honors those who’ve experienced loss, and provides resources for families facing unthinkable challenges and struggling with unimaginable loss to find hope, answers, and a sense of community.

Moving On From Grief

Get easy-to-use tools to get through life's toughest moments by clicking HERE.

Mobile Mammography Unit

The Mobile Mammography unit is coming to Grays Creek Oct. 19 from 10am- 5pm. Click HERE to schedule your appointment time.

Stay updated on all things health and wellness by visiting our website! 

Conflict Resolution Webinar

Learn effective methods for resolving on-the-job conflicts on Oct. 25 from 12-1pm. Click HERE to learn more and to register.

Jet Dental Onsite Services

Jet Dental is coming to the BOE on Nov. 2. 

Schedule your dental services by clicking HERE

2023-24 Mileage Schedule

The MSCS Mileage Schedule is now available for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Click HERE to download and print the schedule for your records.

Safety Reminders: Stow It, Don't Show It!

The District's Safety and Security Team is committed to measures that will keep students and staff safe and reduce any opportunities for crime on District property.

Please read and follow these important safety tips and do your part to reduce vehicle theft and other incidents at your school or office site.

#MSCSis901