Oct. 26, 2023

PERSONAL DEVICES: Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or notebook, private devices are increasingly being used in the professional context. But that involves risks because private devices are an easy target for cybercriminals. Click HERE for some tips to help you protect your devices.

SCHOOL WEBSITES: The only platform approved for school websites is Finalsite (formerly Blackboard). Platforms like Wix, WordPress and Weebly are often blocked for security reasons. If you have any questions about how to set up teacher pages or other public-facing web pages, contact communications@scsk12.org.

New Professional Development Platform

We’re excited to share a new platform for delivering professional learning for MSCS staff! 

Since May 31, all MSCS full-time faculty and staff have 24/7 access to thousands of top-rated courses on Udemy Business.

From coding to presentation skills to management and leadership development, users have many options. 

The relaunch of learning with Udemy Business will occur on Nov. 9 and Nov. 28. 

For login instructions, please click the link below. 

• Udemy Login Step Guide 

Let’s continue to create a culture of learning at MSCS. We hope all MSCS Staff will take full advantage of the Udemy Business course collection. 

Feel free to reach out to Courtney Skipper (skipperc@scsk12.org) or Employee Performance and Support at eps@scsk12.org should you have any questions. 

MSCS 2024 Open Enrollment

Mark your calendars for the Annual Open Enrollment and Benefits Fair on Nov. 1 from 3-6pm in Coe Auditorium. Speak directly to representatives from Cigna, Bentek, Metlife, Empower, AFLAC, American Fidelity, Colonial & more

Annual MSCS Open Enrollment for active employees will begin Wednesday, Nov. 1 and continue through Wednesday, Nov. 15 (changes will be effective as of 1/1/2024).

Important Reminders during this Open Enrollment period:

• If you are an FSA participant, you must elect your coverage levels for 2024:
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• You will have the opportunity to enroll in new plans and opt-out of any plans you no longer wish to participate in for 2024.

• Access Bentek (our online enrollment system) at this link www.mybentek.com/mscs to review your demographic information, current MSCS elections and life insurance beneficiary information.

• Access Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) https://mytcrs.tn.gov/ to view your TCRS beneficiary information.

• The 2024 Benefits Guide will be available on the website soon; click HERE to view the benefits homepage for current information.

Upcoming Vendor Forums

Benefits will host Vendor Forums to allow employees the opportunity to gain more knowledge about available options. These forums will help employees with planning and could assist with financial protection for unexpected occurrences. MSCS Benefits, Cigna, Empower and Voluntary Disability representatives (American Fidelity, AFLAC, and Colonial) will be present. Click HERE to view the Vendor Forum Schedule.

Please click HERE to complete registration.

2023-24 Evaluation Certifications

Non-Instructional Evaluation Certification - Per MSCS Board Policy 4020, "Supervisors are responsible for adhering to the evaluation process and providing timely feedback to improve the performance of evaluated employees."

Click HERE for guidance on NIE Certification.  

SY2023-2024 NIE Evaluator Certification Training Calendar

Instructional Evaluation Certification - According to Tennessee State Board of Education policy 5.201, all educators must be evaluated annually by a certified evaluator.  

• TEM - Click HERE  for guidance on becoming TEM Certified. 
• TEAM (Managed by the TDOE) - Click HERE for guidance on becoming TEAM Certified. *Be sure to select TRAINING FOR ADMINISTRATOR certification. (Please forward a copy of the completed TEAM Certificate to eps@scsk12.org)
• Questions or concerns? Send an email to eps@scsk12.org.

NIE Goal Setting Conference

The NIE Goal-Setting CONFERENCE window is open!  

ALL required fields should be completed in its entirety before finalizing.

*Please be reminded, the deadline to complete ALL NIE Goal-Setting Conferences in PLZ is Nov. 3.

Don't hesitate to reach out to the EPS office, should you have any questions, by phone, at 901.416.2475 or via email at eps@scsk12.org. 

Employee Perks & Discounts

The Macy's Wolfchase Galleria Private Shopping Event for MSCS employees will take place on Oct. 28 from 8-10am.

Bring your MSCS ID. Click HERE to learn more.

The savings continue! Get 40% off most merchandise at the Nike Employee Store - Memphis (select merchandise available to employees only).

No pre-registration is required. All MSCS employees are welcome to shop at the Nike Company Store - Memphis from Oct. 1-31.

To learn more information and view disclaimers, click HERE.

Enjoy exclusive discounts as an MSCS employee at Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) from Oct. 24-26.

Be sure to bring your MSCS ID to receive your discounts. Learn more HERE.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

KnowBe4 Training - Complete by Nov. 1! Head over to KnowBe4 and complete your Quarter 1 Cyber Security Training. By gaining knowledge and expertise in identifying phishing scams, your personal data becomes more secure and less likely to become a victim of phishing and identify theft. Complete the course TODAY!

In your KnowBe4 Library you will find elective modules under the Recommended by Your Organization heading. Complete each module, video, or game and gain greater skills in becoming a MSCS Cyber Hero! All module/training completions are tracked through your KnowBe4 portal.

This Week's Recommendations: 

• Cyber Heroes Series: Dicey Devicey

Step Challenge Winners

Thank you to all that participated in our Moving Towards Better Health Step Challenge! You all accumulated over 54 million steps over the last 30 days! Congratulations to our winners Tamera Neal, Julius Dabbs, and Brittney Tucker!

Stress Management Workshops

Learn how to identify, understand, and manage stress through our Stress Management Workshops! Click HERE to begin!

Stay updated on all things health and wellness by visiting our website! 

Make The Most of Your Dental Plan

Make the most out of your Cigna dental plan. Click HERE to learn more.

Jet Dental Onsite Services

Jet Dental is coming to the BOE on Nov. 2. 

Schedule your dental services by clicking HERE

2023-24 Mileage Schedule

The MSCS Mileage Schedule is now available for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Click HERE to download and print the schedule for your records.

Safety Reminders: Stow It, Don't Show It!

The District's Safety and Security Team is committed to measures that will keep students and staff safe and reduce any opportunities for crime on District property.

Please read and follow these important safety tips and do your part to reduce vehicle theft and other incidents at your school or office site.

#MSCSis901