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.

Celebrating Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Memphis-Shelby County Schools is recognizing the rich history of Black culture and community in the 901 with a series of events and activities engaging our students, families, and stakeholders. We are also encouraging our schools and families to share creative and inspirational messages, photos, and videos about the importance and impact of African American history on social media using #BHM901.

Click here to read more about how are honoring Black History Month.

Graduation Rates for African American Girls Among

 Highest in Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is committed to developing ambitious initiatives aimed to increase postsecondary education participation for all students, while eliminating barriers and achievement gaps. While the overall 2020-21 MSCS graduation rates remained stable, one subgroup continues to transcend the rest. 

Based on recent District data, Black female students consistently rank among the highest graduation rates in the District. Female students had a higher graduation rate than their male peers among the race/ethnicity subgroups which comprise the majority of the District’s population.

Click here to read more.

Chalkbeat: Black girls are graduating at a higher rate than any other demographic in Memphis schools. Here’s why.

MSCS Ready Grads - CCTE Awarded $45,000 Grant to Improve Southwind High Work-Based Learning Program

Southwind High School is improving its Work-Based Learning programs thanks to a new grant obtained by the Memphis-Shelby County Schools College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) department.

The department was recently awarded a $45,000 Tennessee SySTEM grant to advance the Southwind Mechatronics and Work-Based Learning programs. JFF, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education, awarded the grant to provide funding for Tennessee high schools to design and implement work-based courses in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), focusing on computer science.

Click here to read more.

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.

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!

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 Health Science & IT! 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 going on, and we want to make sure you don't miss our brightest moments through our "Weekly Gems" Series!

This video features:

• Kick-off of Black History Month celebrations with weekly activities and contests
• Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray being named to the Memphis Business Journal (MBJ) Power 100 list
• Students from East High T-STEM recognized for receiving their FAA licenses
• Southwind High receives work-based learning program grant

Take a look to see all that happened this week!

"The Future is in Our Hands"

2022 MBJ Power 100 Recognition

“The measure of a man is what he does with his power.”

My parents didn’t get a formal education but wanted better for their seven children. It’s humbling to reflect on where we started and how far we’ve come. Thank you to our Board, educators, students, and the Memphis Business Journal for the honor of being named to the Memphis Business Journal (MBJ) Power 100 list for the third consecutive year.

My commitment to invest in the future of Memphis/Shelby County is unwavering. I’m determined to sustain a culture of inclusion and equity as the District works to reimagine education, schools, and communities.

With your help, we have committed changing the landscape of education through our Reimagining 901 plan.

Better Together: Security Taskforce of Urban School and Police Leaders Partner to Improve the Lives of Students

The Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) have partnered to launch a task force centered on identifying models for collaboration between local police and urban school districts to address the safety of students in urban areas throughout the United States. As Superintendent, I am honored to be a part of IACP-CGCS Task Force composed of school superintendents and police leaders working together to develop and share tools and resources.

The members of the IACP-CGCS Task Force are:

• Todd Axtell, Chief of Police, St. Paul Police Department
• Cerelyn (CJ) Davis, Chief of Police, Memphis Police Department
• Mitchell Davis, Chief of Police, Hazel Crest Police Department
• Joe Gothard, Superintendent, St. Paul Public Schools
• Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police, Houston Independent School District
• John Mina, Sheriff, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
• Rodolfo Perez, Adjutant to the Chief of Police, Los Angeles School Police Department
• Leslie Ramirez, Chief of Police, Los Angeles School Police Department
• Joris Ray, Superintendent, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Maria Vazquez, Deputy Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools

Click here to read more.

Become an Event Sponsor! State of the District: February 23

SAVE THE DATE! The 3rd annual State of the District address will take place on Wednesday, February 23 at 11 a.m. This year's address, Progress Report, is a special update about the strengths and opportunities of Reimagining 901. This event will be streamed across District platforms.

Imagine every student attending a school with modern facilities, a wide array of creative and competitive programs, robust technology, and resources to accelerate learning and strong social-emotional supports to help overcome barriers to success. It requires transformational vision and action, which means we must consider all options for our students.

BECOME AN EVENT SPONSOR

The support of partners like you will help bring our vision of REIMAGINING education, communities, and schools in the 901 to life. A portion of your investment will support the District’s literacy initiatives.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming an event sponsor!

MSCS Hiring Fair: February 10

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS IS HIRING!

Join us for our Job Fair, Thursday, February 10 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education located at 160 S. Hollywood St. We are hiring for ALL positions including skilled craftsmen, academic support, behavioral health, truck drivers, electricians, and more. 

We offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, and fantastic opportunities to take your career to the next level. Stop by our Job Fair on Thursday, February 10 and learn more about these amazing opportunities.

Reimagine yourself with MSCS!

Honoring our History: Southside High Alumni

and Friends Gather to Commemorate School

Southside High alumni and friends recently gathered to celebrate and commemorate the legacy of a place the 901 holds dear. These rich memories will forever mark an era of excellence. The school was first built in 1962 at 1880 Prospect Street to replace the original school located at 667 Richmond Avenue.

High school students were zoned to Hamilton HS in 2007 when the South Side building became a middle school and co-located with the MCS Memphis Health Careers High School. In 2015, MSCS closed the South Side building, and the Achievement School District (ASD) re-opened and operated in the facility until 2018 when the building was officially closed and vacated.

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.

"Black girls are graduating at a higher rate than any other demographic in Memphis schools. Here’s why." - Chalkbeat

"Memphis teens take flight in local aviation program." - FOX13 Memphis

"School District offers Academy for Teachers." - FOX13 Memphis

"White Station girls basketball is setting out to make history." - ABC24

"Reset rooms help Shelby County Schools students turn negative behavior to positive." - FOX13 Memphis

In Case You Missed It

REIMAGINING 901: District Rebrand Approved by Board

The Shelby County Board of Education has officially voted to rebrand our District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools. A name is our greatest connection to ownership and identity. With more than 80 percent of students living in the city limits of Memphis, changing our name will reflect the District’s geographic location and the families we serve. Rebranding is one of several strategies as we reimagine education, schools, and communities while raising the national profile of our District.

Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. At this time, the District’s current logo has not changed. The new MSCS logo is tentatively scheduled to be revealed at the State of the District on February 23. Refer to the FAQs below for approved usage.

The District’s DBA (doing business as) has changed from Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools; however, the District will keep its legal name as “Shelby County Board of Education.” The community will begin to see changes, including new imagery, across our social media platforms and website. A planning committee composed of the District’s executive team is leading a project plan to outline additional phases and prioritize the short-term and long-term goals.

For questions, please email communications@scsk12.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the District’s plan for rebranding? Why now? 

When legacy Memphis City Schools merged with Shelby County Schools, it naturally adopted the SCS name and logo because they represent the entirety of the county landscape. What we know is that more than 80 percent of students live in the city limits of Memphis. Rebranding is one of several Reimagining 901 strategies as we reimagine education, schools, and communities while raising the national profile of our District. Rebranding the District includes implementation of a new logo, signage replacement, website redesign, community and branding awareness, etc. The rebrand proposal was presented last spring at the State of the District. It's now time to move forward with implementation. 

When is this change happening? 

The Shelby County Board of Education approved the recommendation to change the DBA (doing business as) name of the District from Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) at its business meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. The DBA name change took place immediately after the Board vote. The District will keep its legal name as “Shelby County Board of Education”. Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. 

Will the District need/ask for more money for the rebrand?

No, the District will not seek additional funds for the rebrand. As with any large organization or company, we have designated funds in the District budget for marketing and awareness campaigns.

Will my District email change? 

Yes, the Information Technology team will be updating District staff email addresses to reflect the new name. Please continue to use your scsk12.org email address until notified of your new email address.

Will the District website change? What about social media accounts?

Yes, a new domain has been secured by the District, and we will share the website link once the site has been migrated. We are in the process of updating references to the name change (new DBA) throughout the site. District social media account names will not change immediately.

Do I need to remove all SCS logos from my school, office, or building?

At this time, it is not necessary for employees to remove or discard all SCS-branded items. The full implementation of the rebrand will happen in phases. You will receive updated guidance, as we approach each phase.

What logo should I use on documents or promotional items? 

The SCS logo should no longer be used on new materials. For time-sensitive items that need a District logo, use the updated Reimagining 901 logo. The new Memphis-Shelby County Schools logo tentatively will be revealed at the State of the District, Feb. 23, 2022. Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. You will receive updated guidance, as we approach each phase.

How should I refer to the District? 

Please now refer to the District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools verbally, in correspondence, on new documents, in promotional items, etc. For time-sensitive printing and presentations that need a District logo, use the Reimagining 901 logo. 

What are the legal next steps related to using the Memphis-Shelby County Schools name and/or imagery? 

The District’s legal team will be providing additional information about trademark and intellectual property rights. More information is forthcoming.

Where can I direct my questions or feedback about the rebrand?

We will be hosting engagement meetings with principals and other District leaders to discuss FAQs and allow for questions and feedback. Additionally, questions may be submitted to communications@scsk12.org.

District Releases 2021 Lead Water Testing Results—Amid Remediation Implementation, MSCS Drinking Water Sources Remain Offline

Memphis-Shelby County Schools, as well as other school districts in Tennessee, are required by law to conduct biennial lead water testing at its schools to ensure all water sources meet federal and state guidelines. MSCS last tested its water sources in 2019. The latest round of testing was conducted during the 2021 winter break with the District recently receiving results.   

BACKGROUND AND REMEDIATION

• All MSCS drinking water sources have remained offline throughout the pandemic.
• The District's full remediation plan is in progress; however, MSCS reprioritized phases of implementation due to the impact of COVID-19 and supply chain shipment delays.
• The remediation plan and presentation was shared last spring with the Board and County Commission.
• The Board and Administration have allocated ESSER (COVID-19 relief) funding to implement a remediation plan that includes replacing all drinking water sources (in progress) and installing water bottle filling stations.

Click here to access the test results and information on the remediation process in detail.

STEM Teacher Recruitment Expo

The MSCS Division of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) recently hosted its STEM Teacher Recruitment Expo at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education! Graduating college seniors were invited to the fair to learn more about pursuing an occupation in STEM Education or other STEM careers. Attendees had the opportunities to receive onsite interviews, network with STEM peers, engage in informational sessions, and more.

District Announces Retirement of Chief of Security

Last week, we announced the retirement of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Chief of Safety and Security, Gerald Darling.

Chief Darling has been instrumental in the reduction of major incidents in our schools. We’re extremely grateful for his commitment to safety on behalf of our students and staff. He has devoted much of his life to service, and we send him well wishes and fulfillment on his retirement and next chapter. Under his leadership, MSCS was selected as one of only six cities to participate in the Department of Justice National Forum on Youth Violence Crime Reduction Plan along with the City of Memphis.

Darling, a 13-year veteran at MSCS, was recognized by the District, local dignitaries, and law enforcement during a retirement celebration in his honor.

Click here to read more on Darling's retirement.

Soaring to New Heights: Four Students Receive

their FAA Licenses

Congratulations to several East High T-STEM Academy students who recently received their FAA licenses! three students received their drone pilot licenses and one receive their private pilot license. The group was recognized during the MSCS January Board Busines Meeting for their awesome achievement.

MSCS Restructures Substitute Teacher Compensation Package: Increased Daily Rates

We have restructured our substitute teacher compensation package to include an increased daily rate!

Benefits of serving as a substitute teacher in MSCS include having the flexibility to work around your preferred schedule, working on a variety of great campuses across the District, and working in collaboration with our excellent educators. Being a substitute teacher potentially opens more opportunities for full-time positions. 

Click here to learn more about this awesome compensation package!

Students Work to Build Confidence and Create Healthier Lifestyles Through Ongoing Partnership

Students at Evans Elementary are stepping up to create healthier lifestyles, while building characteristics to become better world citizens. The Girls On The Run Club was implemented at the school at the start of the 2020 school year. Under the program at Evans, female students in grades 3-5 meet each week to discuss adolescence, challenges they face among their peers, changes in their bodies and how to build their confidence. The age group is historically noted as an important time for laying the foundations of good health. 

Click here to read more on this transformative partnership.

2022 School Board Appreciation Week Recap

MSCS was proud to join public school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Appreciation Week in Tennessee, January 23-29, 2022. This year's theme, “Building the Future,” reminded us to recognize the unique role school boards play in building a future for their students, championing and advocating for quality education, and governing public schools.

Guided by their support, the District has implemented robust policies and supported several high-impact initiatives including increasing teacher compensation and developing a trauma-responsive district that builds and maintains supportive learning environments while providing social-emotional growth support.

Shelby County Commissioners Willie Brooks, Jr. and Tami Sawyer recognized our Board Members during the January Board Business Meeting. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners recently donated 300,000 face masks to our students.

Weekly Gems: School Board Appreciation Week

Check out this special edition of our Weekly Gems Update featuring highlights of our awesome Board Members as they were recognized throughout the schools they serve!

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 MSCS is using ESSER funds, click here.

MSCS 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 MSCS 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.

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 MSCS is a meaningful way to impact the future

of Memphis and Shelby County.

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