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.

A DREAM REIMAGINED. A DREAM

REALIZED: The 3rd Annual State of the District

Our 2022 State of the District Address highlighted our progress and commitment to reimagining education, schools, and communities. This year’s address also outlined our investments in new support programs designed to drive academic achievement. 

FAST FACTS

• $11 million investment into our educators in the form of a $1,500 retention bonus for teachers and teacher-types, plus a $500 bonus for educational assistants.
• Implementation of a new principal step progression scale will begin in the 2022-2023 school year.
• Starting in August 2022, all students in grades 7 through 12 who qualify will be automatically enrolled in honors courses, based on class availability. 
• Our Strategic Partners for Literacy partnership will construct a strategic framework and identify high-level options to meet the overall goal – ensure literacy success by third grade for all students.
• The District has added 750 Specialized Education Assistant (SEAs) positions this school year, increasing the teacher pipeline.
• MSCS invested $5 million of ESSER funding to install filtered water bottle filling stations, removing 99.3% of lead from drinking water. 
• A new, hands-on internship program called Power 1000 will employ one thousand of our juniors and seniors.
• Our partnerships with Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises increased from 18% in 2020 to 24% in 2021.
• We unveiled a new logo as part of our rebranding strategy, reflecting our geographic location and the families we serve.

LITERACY IS LIFE:

Lifting Literacy in Memphis Takes All of Us

Here's an important message from a few of our friends who can help explain why it will take all of us -- working together -- to lift literacy in Memphis.

In partnership with key stakeholders, we have launched Strategic Partners for Literacy, a new initiative developed to enhance all literacy work done by MSCS and the 901 community. With the support of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), we will construct a strategic framework and identify high-level options to meet the overall goal – ensure literacy success by third grade for all students.

RECLAIMING OUR IDENTITY:

Watch to Learn How We Arrived at a Final Logo

that embodies the MSCS Educational Journey

So, what’s next!? Reimagining 901 incorporates a name change that reflects our geographic location and the families we serve. Our new logo will help us express this change to our students, staff, and community. Especially for employees, this means an exciting period of transition has begun.

Over the months to come, we will be making BIG changes, including migrating the website to a new domain, updating our email addresses, and replacing signage throughout the District. These steps take time, so please be patient as we engage in this work.

Compensation and Benefits

As we continue to reimagine education, I announced an $11M investment into our educators in the form of a $1,500 teacher retention bonus and a $500 bonus for educational assistants—a way to say “thank you” to the frontline workers of our classrooms. Also, effective July 1, 2022, the District’s overall share of medical premiums for active employees is changing from the current 67% to 70% cost share. This means you’ll see a reduction in the amount you pay for medical insurance. 

Click here to visit our HR website for more information. 

Superintendent CEO Circle

We recognize the business of education as EVERYONE’s business. Therefore, I have created the Superintendent CEO Circle. Assembled strategically, a handful of local CEOs and I meet quarterly to strategize innovative ideas to engage, empower, and equip our students and families.

Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises 

As we reimagine communities, our primary goal is to ensure opportunities flow through the communities we serve. Our partnerships with Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE) increased from 18% in 2020 to 24% in 2021. Recently, we were named as a finalist for the prestigious Robert R. Church Corporation of the Year Award, a direct result of the progress we’re making in all divisions. Together, we’re impacting the 901.

Click here to learn more about our MWSBE Program.

Pre-K: The Strongest Start

We've made it our mission to provide additional quality Pre-K seats to ALL students, not just economically disadvantaged. Through our process of analyzing population and waitlist data, we're accurately determining the number of seats to offer!

• Hired 92 Family Engagement Specialists
• 11,000+ parents engaged in literacy curriculum
• Pre-K students receive support in social-emotional learning (SEL)

Advanced Course Expansions

MSCS is putting our students in a position to bridge the achievement gap. Starting in August 2022, all students in grades 7 through 12 who qualify will be automatically enrolled in honors courses, based on class availability. This reimagines possibilities for thousands of students who previously may not have had access to these types of courses. Our core teachers will also be provided training on honors-level expectations and instructional rigor for the new year. Let's dream BIG!

Tutoring

900+ MSCS teachers and assistants offer before, during, after school, and Saturday tutoring to 9,000 registered students. We were recently recognized for tutoring by the U.S. Department of Education (American Rescue Plan) and named by the Tennessee Department of Education as a "Best for All" District!

Our vision and dreams have been reimagined; we’ve come a long way and have a long way to go but we will get there if we work together. The business of education is everyone’s business. We must all make education our priority investment.

Click here to read more about the 3rd Annual State of the District and our progress of REIMAGINING 901!

MSCS Makes Masks Optional for Employees and Students

In alignment with recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recent guidance from the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) related to wearing masks indoors, MSCS is lifting its mask mandate. 

Beginning Monday, February 28, students will have the option to “opt-out” of wearing masks. Parents will be required to complete a form, provided by their school, for each student choosing to opt-out. 

Click here to read more.

REIMAGINING 901: Community Call to Action

Facebook.com/ShelbyCountySchools

@scsk12unifed

@scsk12unifed

District Implements Paid College and Career Readiness Opportunities for Juniors and Seniors

MSCS has implemented new programs designed to provide more opportunities for students to be better prepared for life and their career. Parallel to the District’s Reimagining 901 initiatives, MSCS is offering a hands-on internship program for juniors and seniors. Furthermore, our new Workforce Development Program, in partnership with the PeerPower Foundation, pays qualified students to tutor their peers in early grades.

Paid Internship Program

Ambitious 11th and 12th-grade scholars will gain valuable workplace experience, explore career paths relative to their interests, and build relationships with industry professionals. Participating students will work alongside district leaders and corporate partners to gain valuable career skills and experience that align with their interests.

Workforce Development Program

Under this program, 11th and 12th grade students with a 3.5 GPA or higher are eligible to be hired as a Success Coach. They would be trained to tutor elementary and middle school students on various subjects. The student-to-student tutoring would take place after school and one Saturday each month.

Click here to learn more about these valuable new programs for MSCS students.

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.

MSCS ReadyGrads - TSU Agriculture Team

Visits Bolton High

The Tennessee State University (TSU) Agriculture Team recently visited Bolton High! Dr. John Ricketts, Ahmad Aziz, and Thyneice Bowden met with our College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) team to donate live poultry to the AgriSTEM program. Partnerships like these are essential towards providing environments for our students to thrive!

Click here to learn more about CCTE.

Join the CCTE Team!

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!

REIMAGINE A CAREER WITH MSCS!

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS IS HIRING!

Community members were recently invited to the Shelby County Board of Education for our hiring fair to learn more about our open positions including skilled craftsmen, academic support, behavioral health, truck drivers, electricians, and more!

MSCS offers competitive wages, excellent benefits, and fantastic opportunities to take your career to the next level.

Click here to learn more about these amazing opportunities.

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 Allied Health and Information Technology. 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 to be proud of and we want to make sure you don't miss our brightest moments through our "Weekly Gems" Series!

This video features many highlights including:

• MSCS students celebrating the 2/22/22 “Twosday “ by sporting their best tutus, ties or mismatched sneakers. Schools across the District posted photos of students on social media.

• Recap of the 3rd annual State of the District Address. Superintendent Ray delivered a progress report about the strengths and opportunities of Reimagining 901. This year’s address outlined new support programs designed to drive academic achievement. Superintendent Ray also discussed Teacher Bonuses, Honors Course Expansion, and reclaiming our identity as a district.

Take a look to see all the highlights!

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 graduate at highest rates after school created 'No Failure Option' - Scripps Media

"This Memphis teacher shares why her classroom is a moving experience" - Chalkbeat

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

"Memphis’ White Station High selected to pilot AP African American studies class" - Chalkbeat

Missed last week's edition of the Bridge? Click here!

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.