December 14, 2023

Board Policy Updates

Please be advised that revisions to the following policies were approved by the Board on Nov. 28, 2023. In addition to the links provided below, all policies can be accessed online in BoardDocs here.

4057 Parenting Leave – STATUTORY 

Approved revisions align with state law providing eligible employees with up to six (6) weeks of paid leave for the birth (including still birth) of the employee's child or adoption of a newly placed minor child. 

6026 Appeals Related to Student Discipline: Suspension/Expulsion/Remand of Students – STATUTORY 

Approved revisions 

• Reformat the policy to move procedural language to newly developed Administrative Rules and Regulations. 

• Authorize the Superintendent to establish procedures for students to appeal discipline decisions. 

• Include provisions and requirements of state law related to discipline. 

• Newly developed Administrative Rules and Regulations outline procedures for due process and appeals for short-term and long-term suspensions/expulsions. 

2006 Purchasing Authority

Approved revisions 

• Strengthen the definition of “emergency purchases” to include purchases due to unforeseen conditions that (1) create an imminent threat to life, health, safety, or property and/or (2) must be made to prevent or minimize a major disruption to District, including school, operations 

• Clarify that splitting a single purchase transaction to avoid bidding or other purchasing requirements is prohibited

• Revises purchasing threshold provisions for invoice and purchase orders 

• Invoice for individual purchases: change from up to $500 to up $3500 (exceptions may apply) 

• Purchase order: change from over $500 to over $3500

10 Days of Cheer with MSCS

Celebrate 10 Days of Holiday Cheer with MSCS! You’re invited to participate in holiday-themed contest posts Dec. 7 - 20.

Click here for more information, and let’s get ready to celebrate!

SEA Winter Break Professional Learning

According to the 12-month hourly work schedule, Specialized Education Assistants (SEAs) are scheduled to work three days (Dec. 21 and Jan. 2-3) during Winter Break unless days off have been requested and approved by school administration. 

SEAs are expected to report to their school sites each day and engage in either of the following: 

1. Complete professional learning assignments as outlined by the Early Literacy Department OR 
2. Complete tasks assigned by the school administrator 

Please carefully read the following information:

• If SEAs plan to be off during the Winter Break, they should follow the request-for-vacation policies as outlined by their school's administrative handbook. 
• If an SEA takes vacation, the SEA is not required to complete professional learning assignments on the days approved for vacation. 
• If an SEA is not taking vacation days and the SEA's school administrator has tasks for the SEA to complete, the SEA does not have to complete the Early Literacy professional learning assignments. In this case, it is the school's responsibility to capture and report the SEA's hours worked. 
• If the school administrator does not provide tasks for the SEA to complete during the three days of Winter Break, the SEA must complete the professional learning assignments for each day worked. 

Please see assignments here: SEA Winter Break Professional Learning SY23-24

Any questions regarding tasks or assignments, please call or email the Early Literacy Office at 901-416-4801 or EarlyLiteracyDept@scsk12.org. 

For technical/computer issues, please contact IT 901-416-2700. 

Get Your Flu Shot

Schedule an appointment to get your flu shot TODAY! There is NO CHARGE for MSCS employees with the Cigna Health Plan. However, there is $20 charge for dependents and non-insured employees.

Call 901-416-6079 to schedule your appointment.

Your Input Matters!

MSCS is developing an infrastructure plan to enhance learning environments, focusing on overdue repairs and thoughtful academic investments. You’re invited to join the conversation and help us select the best name for the plan from the suggested options.

Visit bit.ly/MSCSInfrastructurePlanName to take our short survey! Let's build a brighter future together!

TSLA Certification Requirement

Summary of the Foundational Literacy Skills Course Requirement: The Tennessee Literacy Success Act (TLSA) requires that teachers in the state of Tennessee demonstrate knowledge of foundational literacy skills instruction. The law outlines both training and licensure requirements. 

Training Requirements: Beginning August 1, 2023, all current teachers in Tennessee with a TLSA qualifying endorsement (listed here) must complete a foundational literacy skills training course. To satisfy this requirement, educators can complete Course 1 of either the Early Reading Training or Secondary Literacy Training. 

Licensure Requirements: Beginning August 1, 2023, candidates seeking to obtain, renew, or advance a teaching license with at least one qualifying endorsement (listed here) must demonstrate compliance with TLSA requirements when submitting licensure transactions. Educators may elect to demonstrate compliance using one of the below pathways. The trainings and assessment are free. Educators who do not complete this requirement will not be able to renew or advance the license, and it will become inactive.

• Foundational Literacy Skills Training: Complete Course 1 of either the Early Reading Training or Secondary Literacy Training.

OR 

• Assessment: Pass the Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment (TELA) now available online.  

The TLSA requirement deadline is quickly approaching! All MSCS educators, school leaders, and district staff must meet this requirement deadline by March 31, 2024. If you have completed this requirement and submitted your certificate as requested, you may disregard this message.

• Please upload your course completion certificate to TN Compass and to the MSCS form: forms.office.com/r/Gs1YWkcY1Q

• Please note the step sheet detailing how to upload to TN Compass: Steps to Upload the Literacy Success Act Certificate of Completion

• If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at HRCompliance@scsk12.org.

Keep Your Health Goals on Track During the Holidays

Things don't have to go south during the holidays. Check out these tips from Weight Watchers.

Recharge and Refresh

Winter Break is the perfect time to indulge in self care. We all could use some TLC. Click here for resources to help you decompress and start 2024 recharged and refreshed.

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

The Doctor Is In: Grief

Life can be hard at times, especially if you are mourning the loss of a loved one.

Dr. Kanesha Moore is here to give you the 411 on grief.

MSCS Employee Grizzlies Ticket Discount

MSCS employees can now purchase discounted tickets to Memphis Grizzlies games! Click HERE to get your tickets and use the code "MSCS23".

MSCS Employee Nike Store Discounts

MSCS employees can enjoy 40% off on select merchandise at the Nike Company Store from Nov. 19 - Dec. 31. Please click HERE to learn more details and to view the terms and conditions.

December Superhero Employee Nominations

The nomination period for December Superhero Employees is now open. Click HERE to nominate a colleague who goes above and beyond.

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