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.

Preparing Our Hearts for the Holidays

3rd Grade Commitment

One of the top priorities of Reimagining 901 is to strengthen early and continuing literacy. It’s not breaking news to say we realize just how critical literacy is to the long-term success for students throughout their education. It is why SCS developed the 3rd Grade Commitment to outline precisely how we will ensure that our students are strong readers upon entering 3rd grade.

Our Academics and Communications teams have put together and promoted literacy exercises for our younger learners that I hope families will take advantage of over the winter break. The 3rd Grade Commitment is NOT about retention or failing students, it’s about ensuring a path to promotion and making sure all students have the reading skills they will need in the 3rd grade.

2021 National School Public Relations Association - Superintendents to Watch

As Superintendent, I am honored to be named one of the 2021 Superintendents to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

I also send a special congratulations to my fellow superintendents who have been recognized by NSPRA. Life as we know it changed around us amid the coronavirus pandemic, bringing forward the urgency to communicate and tell our story of innovation.

Leading a school district is an exceptional task that bears great responsibility and I’m honored to lead the very District where I was once a student.

This annual award recognizes school district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Click here to read more on this esteemed honor.

TN Education Commissioner Visit

The Tennessee Education Commissioner, Dr. Penny Schwinn, visited Sherwood Elementary with Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray last week to witness the progress and instruction happening at SCS.

Dr. Schwinn's visit was followed by the announcement that four schools in the Achievement School District will return to Shelby County Schools for the 2022-23 school year.

“We are focused on doing what is best for all Tennessee students and ensuring they get what they deserve,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “The department has been working closely with Shelby County Schools to focus on how to make this a seamless transition for the families, parents, staff, and educators and to best serve our students and ensure they receive a high-quality education.”

Read Around the Christmas Tree - THANK YOU!

In support of the District’s Third Grade Commitment, the Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE), along with the Offices of Academics and Communications, hosted the annual Read Around the Christmas Tree. Themed around holiday classics such as The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the event featured one-on-one and small group reading from community partners serving as guest readers. Additionally, the annual event supports family literacy through contributions to students’ home libraries.

Amazon Special Delivery at Lucie E. Campbell Elementary

A special thank you to Amazon for providing a special delivery for Lucie E. Campbell Elementary’s Angel Tree. We are grateful for partnerships like these, especially during the Holiday Season.

SCS Ready Grads - CCTE & Ford Partnership Equips Scholars for Automotive Industry

As the SCS Division of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) expands resources and opportunities beyond the classroom, Ford Motor Company gifted students with tools to help them be successful through a continued partnership. Students in three high schools - Bolton, Cordova and Germantown - were presented gifts for excelling in their courses and passing their certifications with high marks. Click here to read more about this valuable partnership.

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.

Team Morant Surprises Dunbar Elementary with Special Gifts

We're grateful for this GIVING season! Team Morant and family (dad and uncle) provided all students at Dunbar Elementary with coats, special staff gifts, and sponsored wish lists. 

SCS Employees Recognized for Their Impact in Education During the Pandemic

Shelby County Schools (SCS) received the most recognitions in the education categories of the eighth annual SPARK awards by cityCurrent in partnership with WKNO. The occasion recognizes individuals for their philanthropic work in our communities. SCS walked away with two of the three awards:

Education Leadership - Dr. Patricia Bafford, SCS Health Services Director

Education Educator - Allyson Chick, Richland Elementary School C.L.U.E. teacher

The theme of The SPARK November 2021 is "Teaming Up for a Healthy Community." Videos of Dr. Bafford and Ms. Chick highlight their responsibilities at SCS and how they handled their roles during the pandemic.

Click here to read about these achievements in detail.

In addition, Dr. Bafford received the Shelby County Mayor’s Shining Star Award. The award recognizes public servants in local government and the community whose contributions have made a significant impact. Click here to read more.

In Case You Missed It

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.

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 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.

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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