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.

SCS Among Most Impactful Urban Districts in U.S.

SCS recently received some great news! According to a new study by the Thomas Fordham Institute, Memphis has been ranked the second most impactful school district in the country with “remarkably effective” schools despite the high poverty level. Memphis has also been ranked first in academic growth of black, hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students.

This study affirms that the District's research-based strategies are impacting achievement as we reimagine academic equity for all students.

Click here to read the full story.

2022-23 School Choice Showcase

Reimagining Education

Students, teachers, District leaders, community members, and SCS families connected at the Hickory Ridge Mall this past Saturday for the 2022-23 School Choice Showcase! Attendees had the opportunity to learn about how were are REIMAGINING education in the 901 by visiting with schools on display and watch special performance from students.

Click here to learn more.

The District's College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE), formally referred to as Vocational Technology (Vo-Tech), were present in a big way at the event. Students showcased their skills in robotics, barbering, and so much more! From STEM, manufacturing, health services, IT and more, students have access to college courses and job certifications in high-demand fields while in high school.

Learn more about CCTE programs here.

SCS Ready Grads - Ag Day Highlights the work at Bolton

SCS CCTE recently held its first Ag Day highlighting the world-class, work-based learning happening at Bolton High School. District leaders and students engaged in demos with live animals, drone technology, culinary projects, and agricultural machinery.

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.

ESSER In Action:

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.

SCS Read Around the Christmas Tree - DAYS AWAY!

In support of the District’s Third Grade Commitment, the Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE), along with the Offices of Academics and Communications, will host the annual Read Around the Christmas Tree on Thursday, December 16 at 10 A.M. at Alcy Elementary. Themed around holiday classics such as The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the event will feature one-on-one and small group reading from community partners serving as guest readers.

Additionally, the event supports family literacy through contributions to students’ home libraries.

All slots have been filled at Alcy Elementary. If you're interested in participating at another District school, please contact (FACE) at 901-416-7600 or send an email to scsface@scsk12.org.

SCS 2021 Teacher Hiring Fair - Connecting with our Community

SCS hosted a teacher and school support job fair where attendees had the opportunity to connect with District representatives and learn how they can join our SCS Family!

To learn more about hiring opportunities, click here.

In Case You Missed It

District Leaders Present 2022 Legislative Agenda

As we continue to strengthen our efforts to reimagine education, schools, and communities in the 901, we look to make change at a state level to tackle our local needs in providing superior academic, personnel, and funding to better serve SCS. District leaders recently met with the Shelby County Legislative Delegation at the University of Memphis to present the 2022 Legislative Agenda.

The agenda, which features items related to academics, personnel, and funding, includes priority items such as medical exemption from chronic absenteeism, supplementary graduation requirements, funding for career and technical instruction, and prioritization of lead-free drinking water in schools.

Click here to read the agenda in full.

SCS Awarded $100,000 in Grants for Middle School STEM, CTE Career Exploration Start-Up & Expansion

The District has been awarded $100,000 in grant funding for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and middle school career and technical education (CTE). The TDOE announced more than $800,000 in grants for 89 schools in 38 districts across the state. 

Click here to read more about the impact at SCS.

I AM A GENIUS Workshop at Cummings K-8

Healing through the arts is one of many ways the District offers social emotional and trauma-response support for children. SCS Equity Officer Dr. Michael Lowe recently hosted a safe space for Cummings K-8 students through motivational songs and stories promoting LITERACY. The I AM a GENIUS Workshop featured Ekpe Abioto and Company, an African musical group. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to enjoy the celebration that included live entertainment and self-affirmations.

OPERATION WARM HEARTS: THANK YOU!



SCS stakeholders, local businesses, and organizations donated hundreds of coats and thousands of dollars for winter accessories for students during our annual event. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Click here to read more about this heart-warming initiative.

Alcy Elementary Tour

SCS leaders recently participated in a virtual event in partnership with cityCURRENT and New Leaders. 

The virtual experience featured a tour of the newly constructed Alcy Elementary School and a moderated Q&A session with school and District leadership. The tour spotlighted:

• The school and its 21st-century learning model.
• How leaders are building a culture focused on student achievement.
• How it plays an important role in the greater Reimagining 901 plans for Shelby County Schools.
• How the nonprofit New Leaders is helping to equip principals and educators to achieve these goals.

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.

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. 

Click here to read in detail how we're using ESSER 3.0 funds.

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.

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