Oct. 5, 2023

Cyber threats can be scary, and for good reason. Malware could be lurking in any suspicious email that finds its way into your inbox. Fortunately, we know how to keep bad actors and monstrous malware at bay. But we can’t do it without your help! That’s why we’re recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October by sharing tips to promote a strong and resilient security culture in our organization. To turn away cyber-attacks, a little knowledge teamed with critical thinking skills can go a long way. Thanks, and have a cyber secure October!

DID YOU KNOW?

More than 75% of targeted cyberattacks start with an email. Phishing is one of the top causes of data breaches, followed by the use of stolen credentials and ransomware. (CompTIA)

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.

Think Pink 2023

Show us how you Think Pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness! Think Pink 2023 runs Oct. 1-31. Schools and department staff have the opportunity to win a smoothie happy hour!

Click HERE to view the contest rules.

September Superhero Employees

Congratulations to our September Superhero Employees!

• Non-Instructional: Irene Brenner – Nutrition Technician – Soulsville Charter School
• Instructional: Tobias Conerly – 7th grade math – Raleigh Egypt Middle School

Click HERE to read their nominations.

October Superhero Nominations

Nominations for October Superhero Employees are open now through Oct. 15.

Support your colleagues and click HERE to submit your nominations.

Irene Brenner

Tobias Conerly

MSCS Employee Nike Store Access

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.

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.

Conflict Resolution Webinar

Learn effective methods for resolving on-the-job conflicts from Dr. Kanesha Moore on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 12-1pm.

• Attendees will have the chance to ask questions.
• First 5 attendees to register and attend will receive a $25 visa gift card.

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

KnowBe4 Cyber Security Training: Complete by Nov. 1

Starting this year, we will be using KnowBe4 to directly manage cybersecurity training.  Cybersecurity education involves teaching individuals about online safety, including how to protect personal information, how to identify and avoid cyber threats, and how to respond to cyber-attacks. During cybersecurity awareness month we will Head over to KnowBe4 to complete your cyber security training.  

Cybersecurity Threats in Schools

Schools are vulnerable to a variety of cybersecurity threats, including data breaches, phishing scams, and social engineering attacks. Hackers may target schools to access sensitive student and staff information, such as social security numbers or medical records. In addition, students may be targeted by cyberbullies or predators who use the internet to harass or exploit them. Read the following article to better understand how teachers are more often becoming targets and how you can better protect your online presence. 

• See It, So You Don't Click It 

Additional Tools

Follow these links for additional tools to help you avoid online spookies this Halloween season. In your KnowBe4 Library, you will find elective modules under the “Recommended by Your Organization” heading. Complete each module, video, or game to gain greater skills in becoming a MSCS Cyber Hero!  

This Week’s Recommendations 

• Kickoff: Overview Cyberattacks

• Spot the Phish Game:

• Foundational Cyber Security Training Dashboard 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

Pink Friday

Help us celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Pink Friday, Oct. 6 from 4:30-6:30pm in the BOE Auditorium. Wear PINK!!

Mobile Mammography Unit

The Mobile Mammography unit is coming to the BOE Oct. 5 from 10 am - 5 pm. and Grays Creek Oct. 19 from 10 am- 5pm. Click HERE to schedule your appointment time.

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

Methodist Mammography Locations

Schedule your mammogram at one of Methodist's five convenient locations by calling 901-516-9000.

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