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.

ARP Stars: USDOE National Highlight

The U.S. Department of Education recently featured Memphis-Shelby County Schools in its national American Rescue Plan (ARP ESSER) awareness campaign.

To my surprise, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona tweeted a highlight of our video submission which included details about our Reimagining 901 investments including our tutoring programs, K-2 specialized education assistants, and reducing class ratios.

We’re leading for change and I’m grateful to have the support of our award-winning Board every step of the way. Their advocacy in the 901 is a bright spot for what is to come in our community.

I’m also extremely thankful to have a dynamic Cabinet who, despite all odds, dedicates countless hours to exquisitely execute the vision. Allow these recent recognitions to serve as inspiration and rousing momentum as we continue to press toward the mark of achievement and excellence on behalf of the children of MSCS.

MSCS Named Best For All District by the Tennessee Department of Education

MSCS has been named a “Best for All District" by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE). The recognition highlights our commitment to Reimagining 901 and implementing high-impact initiatives and resources to create successful pathways for our scholars to flourish.

To qualify for this recognition, a district must participate in the TN ALL Corps tutoring grant program no later than the start of the 2022-23 school year, and commit to spend at least 50% of their ESSER 3.0 award amount on proven, research-based strategies to raise student academic achievement. 

Click here to read more on this awesome achievement.

Watch this special message we shared with the TDOE to help celebrate this recognition.

Our District recognized several special guests including principals, teachers, tutors, and students during a reception to celebrate being named a TDOE Best For All District. We earned this honor TOGETHER and every educator should be proud.

MSCS Celebrates Counselors During National School Counseling Week

MSCS recently celebrated our fantastic School Counselors during National School Counseling Week. From February 7-11, National School Counseling Week brought attention to the unique contribution of school counselors who touch the lives of countless students. Their impact reaches across neighborhoods and even generations. 

Click here to read more.

To help celebrate the week, MSCS counselors were honored at a drive-thru event held at the Board of Education. Their work and dedication to our students plays a vital role in REIMAGINING 901!

COMING SOON! State of the District: February 23

SAVE THE DATE! The 3rd annual State of the District address will take place on Wednesday, February 23 at 11 a.m. This year's address, Progress Report, is a special update about the strengths and opportunities of Reimagining 901. This event will be streamed across District platforms.

Imagine every student attending a school with modern facilities, a wide array of creative and competitive programs, robust technology, and resources to accelerate learning and strong social-emotional supports to help overcome barriers to success. It requires transformational vision and action, which means we must consider all options for our students.

BECOME AN EVENT SPONSOR

The support of partners like you will help bring our vision of REIMAGINING education, communities, and schools in the 901 to life. A portion of your investment will support the District’s literacy initiatives.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming an event sponsor!

Get ready for this year's address! Watch the promo video here.

Two MSCS Teachers Receive Presidential Award

for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

President Joe Biden has selected two MSCS teachers as winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for Tennessee. Charles Hayes from Highland Oaks Elementary and Laura Koch from Richland Elementary are the only teachers from Tennessee to receive this prestigious award. A total of 117 teachers from across the nation were named award winners.

Click here to learn more.

2022-23 Instructional Calendar Survey

As Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) gears up for the 2022-23 school year, we are committed to incorporating feedback from our stakeholders including students, parents, employees, and other members of the community. Two draft instructional calendars have been created based on the input from our stakeholder meetings.

The survey, offered in English and Spanish, will be available from February 9 through February 16. Click here to read more about our feedback process.

Click here to take the Instructional Calendar Feedback Survey!

Superintendent Ray Names First African-American Woman

as Interim Chief of Safety and Security

In a historic appointment, we recently announced Carolyn Jackson as Interim Chief of Safety and Security for MSCS. Jackson is a nationally recognized leader in school safety-based services and training and has been tremendously effective in improving safety measures for employees and schools, including handling emergency response situations,” said Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray. “As the first African-American woman to serve in this role, it’s an honor to be a part of her historic journey in leadership."

Jackson has more than 40 years of accomplished, diverse law enforcement experience. She joined MSCS (formerly Memphis City Schools) in 2007 and has been influential in the development, implementation, and oversight of the administrative, technical, and professional security functions of the District.

Click here to learn more about Jackson's appointment.

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 Named Among 60 Schools in U.S. to Pilot Advanced Placement Course Focused on African American Studies

White Station High (WSHS) is one of 60 schools across the United States selected to pilot an Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. The Shelby County Board of Education entered into an agreement with the College Board to participate in this three-year pilot beginning in the fall of the 2022-23 school year.

Click here to read more about this awesome achievement.

MSCS Ready Grads - STEM Teacher Recruitment Expo Recap

The MSCS Division of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) recently hosted its STEM Teacher Recruitment Expo at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education! Graduating college seniors were invited to the fair to learn more about pursuing an occupation in STEM Education or other STEM careers. Attendees had the opportunity to receive onsite interviews, network with STEM peers, engage in informational sessions, and more.

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.

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!

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 Health Science & IT! 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:

• MSCS has been named a “Best for All” District by the Tennessee Department of Education. The recognition highlights our commitment to Reimagining 901 and implementing high-impact initiatives/resources to create successful pathways for our scholars.

• In a historic appointment, Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray appointed Carolyn Jackson to the role of Interim Chief of Safety and Security for MSCS. Jackson is the first African-American woman to serve in the position.

• Charles Hayes of Highland Oaks Elementary and Laura Koch of Richland Elementary were selected as winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for Tennessee by the White House.

• MSCS celebrated our fantastic School Counselors for National School Counseling Week! Staff, students, and parents expressed their appreciation in various ways.

Take a look to see all the highlights!

Reimagine yourself 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.

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.

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

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

"Memphis teens take flight in local aviation program." - FOX13 Memphis

"School District offers Academy for Teachers." - FOX13 Memphis

"White Station girls basketball is setting out to make history." - ABC24

In Case You Missed It

"The Future is in Our Hands"

2022 MBJ Power 100 Recognition

“The measure of a man is what he does with his power.”

My parents didn’t get a formal education but wanted better for their seven children. It’s humbling to reflect on where we started and how far we’ve come. Thank you to our Board, educators, students, and the Memphis Business Journal for the honor of being named to the Memphis Business Journal (MBJ) Power 100 list for the third consecutive year.

My commitment to invest in the future of Memphis/Shelby County is unwavering. I’m determined to sustain a culture of inclusion and equity as the District works to reimagine education, schools, and communities.

With your help, we have committed changing the landscape of education through our Reimagining 901 plan.

Better Together: Security Taskforce of Urban School and Police Leaders Partner to Improve the Lives of Students

The Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) have partnered to launch a task force centered on identifying models for collaboration between local police and urban school districts to address the safety of students in urban areas throughout the United States. As Superintendent, I am honored to be a part of IACP-CGCS Task Force composed of school superintendents and police leaders working together to develop and share tools and resources.

The members of the IACP-CGCS Task Force are:

• Todd Axtell, Chief of Police, St. Paul Police Department
• Cerelyn (CJ) Davis, Chief of Police, Memphis Police Department
• Mitchell Davis, Chief of Police, Hazel Crest Police Department
• Joe Gothard, Superintendent, St. Paul Public Schools
• Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police, Houston Independent School District
• John Mina, Sheriff, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
• Rodolfo Perez, Adjutant to the Chief of Police, Los Angeles School Police Department
• Leslie Ramirez, Chief of Police, Los Angeles School Police Department
• Joris Ray, Superintendent, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• Maria Vazquez, Deputy Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools

Click here to read more.

Graduation Rates for African American Girls Among

 Highest in Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is committed to developing ambitious initiatives aimed to increase postsecondary education participation for all students, while eliminating barriers and achievement gaps. While the overall 2020-21 MSCS graduation rates remained stable, one subgroup continues to transcend the rest. 

Based on recent District data, Black female students consistently rank among the highest graduation rates in the District. Female students had a higher graduation rate than their male peers among the race/ethnicity subgroups which comprise the majority of the District’s population.

Click here to read more.

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

Honoring our History: Southside High Alumni

and Friends Gather to Commemorate School

Southside High alumni and friends recently gathered to celebrate and commemorate the legacy of a place the 901 holds dear. These rich memories will forever mark an era of excellence. The school was first built in 1962 at 1880 Prospect Street to replace the original school located at 667 Richmond Avenue.

High school students were zoned to Hamilton HS in 2007 when the South Side building became a middle school and co-located with the MCS Memphis Health Careers High School. In 2015, MSCS closed the South Side building, and the Achievement School District (ASD) re-opened and operated in the facility until 2018 when the building was officially closed and vacated.

REIMAGINING 901: District Rebrand Approved by Board

The Shelby County Board of Education has officially voted to rebrand our District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools. A name is our greatest connection to ownership and identity. With more than 80 percent of students living in the city limits of Memphis, changing our name will reflect the District’s geographic location and the families we serve. Rebranding is one of several strategies as we reimagine education, schools, and communities while raising the national profile of our District.

Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. At this time, the District’s current logo has not changed. The new MSCS logo is tentatively scheduled to be revealed at the State of the District on February 23. Refer to the FAQs below for approved usage.

The District’s DBA (doing business as) has changed from Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools; however, the District will keep its legal name as “Shelby County Board of Education.” The community will begin to see changes, including new imagery, across our social media platforms and website. A planning committee composed of the District’s executive team is leading a project plan to outline additional phases and prioritize the short-term and long-term goals.

For questions, please email communications@scsk12.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the District’s plan for rebranding? Why now? 

When legacy Memphis City Schools merged with Shelby County Schools, it naturally adopted the SCS name and logo because they represent the entirety of the county landscape. What we know is that more than 80 percent of students live in the city limits of Memphis. Rebranding is one of several Reimagining 901 strategies as we reimagine education, schools, and communities while raising the national profile of our District. Rebranding the District includes implementation of a new logo, signage replacement, website redesign, community and branding awareness, etc. The rebrand proposal was presented last spring at the State of the District. It's now time to move forward with implementation. 

When is this change happening? 

The Shelby County Board of Education approved the recommendation to change the DBA (doing business as) name of the District from Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) at its business meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. The DBA name change took place immediately after the Board vote. The District will keep its legal name as “Shelby County Board of Education”. Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. 

Will the District need/ask for more money for the rebrand?

No, the District will not seek additional funds for the rebrand. As with any large organization or company, we have designated funds in the District budget for marketing and awareness campaigns.

Will my District email change? 

Yes, the Information Technology team will be updating District staff email addresses to reflect the new name. Please continue to use your scsk12.org email address until notified of your new email address.

Will the District website change? What about social media accounts?

Yes, a new domain has been secured by the District, and we will share the website link once the site has been migrated. We are in the process of updating references to the name change (new DBA) throughout the site. District social media account names will not change immediately.

Do I need to remove all SCS logos from my school, office, or building?

At this time, it is not necessary for employees to remove or discard all SCS-branded items. The full implementation of the rebrand will happen in phases. You will receive updated guidance, as we approach each phase.

What logo should I use on documents or promotional items? 

The SCS logo should no longer be used on new materials. For time-sensitive items that need a District logo, use the updated Reimagining 901 logo. The new Memphis-Shelby County Schools logo tentatively will be revealed at the State of the District, Feb. 23, 2022. Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. You will receive updated guidance, as we approach each phase.

How should I refer to the District? 

Please now refer to the District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools verbally, in correspondence, on new documents, in promotional items, etc. For time-sensitive printing and presentations that need a District logo, use the Reimagining 901 logo. 

What are the legal next steps related to using the Memphis-Shelby County Schools name and/or imagery? 

The District’s legal team will be providing additional information about trademark and intellectual property rights. More information is forthcoming.

Where can I direct my questions or feedback about the rebrand?

We will be hosting engagement meetings with principals and other District leaders to discuss FAQs and allow for questions and feedback. Additionally, questions may be submitted to communications@scsk12.org.

MSCS Restructures Substitute Teacher Compensation Package: Increased Daily Rates

We have restructured our substitute teacher compensation package to include an increased daily rate!

Benefits of serving as a substitute teacher in MSCS include having the flexibility to work around your preferred schedule, working on a variety of great campuses across the District, and working in collaboration with our excellent educators. Being a substitute teacher potentially opens more opportunities for full-time positions. 

Click here to learn more about this awesome compensation package!

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 MSCS is using ESSER funds, click here.

MSCS 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 MSCS 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.

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 MSCS is a meaningful way to impact the future

of Memphis and Shelby County.

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