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.

District Hosts Student Vaccination Site


We are excited to team up with the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) to host a vaccination site for students ages 5-11. Scheduled for Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20, sign-up information and guidance on making an appointment was shared directly with parents/guardians of eligible students. 


Click here to read more about this partnership.

SCS Honored with 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award


The U.S. Secretary of Labor recognized SCS as one of the 849 recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony.


Click here to read more about this proud achievement.

SCS Celebrates Its Amazing Veterans

Check out this slideshow commemorating Veteran’s Day as

SCS celebrates its Veteran employees.

District Schools Utilize Data to Improve & Reward Student Achievement


District schools are celebrating student academic achievement in various ways. Despite challenges at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools like Chimneyrock Elementary and American Way Middle are recognizing growth in academic assessments.


Click here to see the data in detail as we celebrated student success.

Tutoring Partnership to Expand District Reading & Literacy Efforts


Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare 

and BookNook announced a $4.6 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Education to expand reading and literacy efforts in Shelby County Schools (SCS).


BookNook’s patented, cloud-based, synchronous learning platform has been adopted as part of the Connected Literacy project, funded by Tennessee’s $100M commitment, to address critical literacy needs across the state.


Click here to read more about this proactive partnership.

Home Engagement Incentive Program Launching Nov. 15


As we continue the work of our 3rd Grade Commitment, SCS is providing PreK through 3rd grade students with fun and engaging videos to master literacy at home. Beginning Nov. 15, students who watch the video content for at least 100 minutes a week* are eligible to receive weekly prizes.


Click here to read more about this exciting program for our students.

In Case You Missed It

7th Annual Operation Warm Hearts


The District's 7th annual Operation Warm Hearts giving event will take place on Tuesday, November 30 from 7 A.M - 6 P.M. This year’s event is being held in connection with the national Giving Tuesday Initiative.


Click here to learn how you can support this heart-warming drive.

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 new Business Recruitment Program.


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

SCS ESSER Funding


I am extremely appreciative of stakeholder support. The synergy and transparency between the Superintendent, Board Members, teachers, students, parents, and community stakeholders were evident in the District’s ability to achieve the great feats accomplished this school year, including having more than 99.9% of our educators return to classrooms when requested and over 92% of students test in-person for state assessments. The consistent and effective use of communication tools such as timely Board briefings, surveys, newsletters, local and national news, e-mails, text messages, and virtual community meetings allowed all stakeholders to remain informed and focused during this critical time.  

  

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Congress directed much-needed aid to local education agencies via the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. The federal relief funding is a significant opportunity for school districts to accelerate student achievement. Outcomes achieved over these four years can set a policy and investment foundation for years to come. As our commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, I have full confidence that our Finance team will continue to ensure maximization of, good stewardship of, and efficient execution of all COVID-19 financial resources. 


Please make no mistake about it, the context for next school year is just as challenging as the last school year. Our number one priority was and continues to be keeping our students and staff safe. However, we must make significant progress towards addressing the learning opportunities that resulted from our pandemic response efforts during the 2020-2021 school year. Our students have lost a lot to this pandemic - family members, irreplaceable childhood experiences, and several months of in-person instruction. There is a lot of ground to make up. 


Despite the daunting odds facing our students, we are certain that with ESSER resources and our Reimagining 901 plan, we will declare victory for children. Our research-based strategies include, but are not limited to, reduced adult to student ratios, increased tutoring supports, increased social-emotional supports, and enhanced teacher professional development with accountability measures.


The time is now for accelerated change and a sense of urgency. Visit scsk12.org/esser for updates.


Click here to review the District's ESSER plan/strategies.

SCS Implements Comprehensive Tutoring Programs


The District is offering high dosage/low ratio tutoring sessions before, during and after the school day. These are designed to provide enrichment in reading and math and mitigate learning loss as a result of COVID-19 school closures.


Click here to read more on this new 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.

Pledge to carry the message.

Promote our essential connection to the success of our community. Follow our social media pages, share our stories and give accurate information about our schools and services to friends, family and neighbors.

Facebook.com/ShelbyCountySchools

@scsk12unifed

@scsk12unifed

Pledge to contribute time, resources and expertise.

Volunteer, mentor or donate — no matter who you are or what you do, you can make a positive impact on our students and schools.

Pledge to show up, speak up and be an advocate.

Attend a community meeting about education, vote in local elections, get to know your district’s School Board member or be active in your school’s PTA.