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April 7, 2021
Through innovation, determination, pride, heart, and soul, Shelby County Schools continues to transform the landscape of education. We are accelerating the implementation of our vision to REIMAGINE education, communities, and schools in the 901. Superintendent Ray will deliver his second annual State of the District address on Friday, April 16, at 9 a.m. During this special VIRTUAL event, we will reflect on an unprecedented year and its impact, delve deeper into the District's resiliency plan, and outline how stakeholders can serve as educational change agents in Shelby County. Stay tuned for a link to watch live!
UPDATE: The DLD schedule has been adjusted for the viewing of the State of the District address.

To ensure all teachers and staff can watch Dr. Ray's important State of the District address, the agenda for District Learning Day has been adjusted. During the morning portion of the day, teachers will work to complete the last required Microsoft Teams course, CADRE966 – “Teams for Insights and Analytics to Support the Shift towards Blended Learning in Canvas,” and Cyber Security self-paced course. After lunch, teachers will join their live content/department sessions. View the full adjusted DLD agenda here. 
Episode 3 of Education Today is available now! Teachers Melissa Moore & Brian Walker discuss the impact of Gradual Release in our classrooms. Please complete this survey & view a special note from Deputy Supt. Dr. Angela Whitelaw.
Growth & Achievement selections are available until THIS FRIDAY @ 5 p.m. The state has provided 2020-21 Accountability Teacher Evaluation FAQs for additional info. Email eps@scsk12.org for any questions.
Are you planning to retire soon? Attend the first of two upcoming virtual retirement meetings on April 13, 4:30 - 6 p.m. You MUST register with your SCS email address here.
District Learning Day is April 16 in Teams & Canvas. Be sure to register for two DLD courses in PLZ by April 14, incl. your content & dept. session, plus "Teams for Insights & Analytics." View the DLD Guidebook for complete details.
Positions for the April 24 Saturday Learning Academy are open until THIS FRIDAY. Positions are also OPEN now through May 30 for the Summer Learning Academy starting in July!
4/9: Student Perception Survey Ends (LAST CHANCE)
4/9: Growth & Achievement Closes (LAST CHANCE)
4/9: Sat. Academy Positions Close (LAST CHANCE)
4/16: State of the District Address (NEW)
4/16: District Learning Day
Join SCS on April 22 for the Equity Town Hall Summit: Creating a Conspiracy of Care!

In partnership with Seeding Success and School Seed, SCS will host an Equity Town Hall Summit centered around creating a conspiracy of care.

Join us April 22 at 6 p.m. as moderator Dr. Michael Lowe, SCS Equity Officer, and Sam O'Bryant, Senior Director of Equity and Partnerships, discuss ways to advocate for racial equity and create and sustain a community of care for all marginalized scholars. Register here!
Fitness in the park @ Shelby Farms is back! Sign up before spaces are gone! (NEW)

Coordinated School Health and Human Resources are partnering to help SCS employees stay active and healthy this spring. April 12 - May 20, every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, employees can sign up for a variety of FREE group fitness classes, like yoga, zumba, and bootcamp/full body workouts. All workouts are held at Shelby Farms!

Did we mention there will be prizes? View the flyer to see what you can WIN! Register here.

Congrats to the February & March winners in the i-Ready Movers & Shakers Campaign! (NEW)

Congratulations to our February and March winners! In case you missed it, "Movers & Shakers" is the new SCS and i-Ready collaborative incentive campaign designed to increase student engagement and progress on i-Ready. View the student winners here. View the school and zone winners here: February | March.

Student winners had overall top usage in i-Ready based on spending 30+ minutes per week/subject and reaching 70%+ lesson pass rates. Winning schools have the highest overall % of students usage.

Winners will be recognized for their hard work with real and virtual trophies. Plus, a handful of lucky students who hit 30+ minutes of lessons per week/subject and 70%+ pass rates will also receive prizes from a random drawing. Congrats to these students, schools and zones, and keep on working hard for a chance at those April trophies!
Check out the latest e-newsletter for K-12 ELA teachers from C&I! (NEW)

The C & I English-Language Arts Department is excited to share the Quarter 4 issue of "SCS Literacy Curriculum Spotlight." The e-newsletter highlights valuable curriculum resources, opportunities, and updates for K-12 ELA teachers. Read about some of the great things happening with literacy in our District here!
TN's Emotional Support Line for educators is now offering text message capability. (NEW)

Tennessee’s Emotional Support Line for Pandemic Stress is adding a new method for people to reach out for help. The free and confidential line now has the capability to offer assistance via text message. Tennessee healthcare workers, first responders and education employees can get help with feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, or depression related to work can now call or text 888-642-7886 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. For more information on the Emotional Support Line for Pandemic Stress, visit here.

Virtual ACT Family Night is April 29! (NEW)

High school teachers, please remind your students and families that Virtual ACT Family Night is Thursday, April 29, 6 - 7:30 p.m. This event will provide an opportunity for students and families to learn more about the structure of the test, resources to prepare for the test, upcoming test dates, and how to register for the test. We will also share information about how test scores are used for college admission and obtaining scholarships.
LITE Memphis wants to help YOUR high school students launch their business! (NEW)

LITE Memphis is a FREE program working with high school students of color who wish to start their businesses. Our programming is FREE and provides students with funding to launch their businesses.

The Application Recruitment Cycle ends April 23. Please share with your students! View more information here.
 Connect with SCS on social media! #SCSis901