Teacher Weekly: October 18, 2023

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October 18, 2023

"Every strike brings me closer to the home run."

- Babe Ruth

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.

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.

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.

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.

Could your school benefit from new outdoor basketball hoops? Make your Raise the Rim nomination today! Nominations are due Jan. 31. Click HERE to nominate.

MSCS 2024 Open Enrollment

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.

Grants Available from the Junior League

The Junior League of Memphis is excited to award grants of up to $2,500 for PK-12 teachers in need in the Memphis metro area!

Applications are due by Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023

Visit jlmemphis.org/innovative-teaching-grants for more information and to apply!

ESL Endorsement Opportunity

Are you a certified classroom teacher interested in getting your ESL endorsement? Select candidates may qualify to receive their ESL endorsement for free!

Applications are due by Nov. 3. Please, click HERE to find out more information.

Employee Discounts Continue

Get 40% off most merchandise at the Nike Employee Store - Memphis Oct. 1-31. Click HERE to view details, rules, and regulations.

K-12 Math & ELA Survey

Do you teach K-12 Mathematics or K-12 English/Language Arts? Well, MSCS would like your feedback on the use and usability of the Quarter 1 Math and ELA curricula, as well as the supporting resources that are used for planning. Together, we achieved a composite score of Level 5, and we want to continue to improve our practice and impact on student outcomes.

Therefore, click on your grade and content area survey link(s) below. Let us know your thoughts and experiences with the curriculums thus far. All those who complete the survey will be entered to win MSCS swag!

MATH

ELA

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is a distinguished U.S. initiative acknowledging and commending exceptional K-12 mathematics and science educators for their remarkable contributions to the field of education. This prestigious award, presented annually by the President of the United States, honors teachers for their commitment, creativity, and influence on students and the educational realm. Participate by nominating an exceptional math or science educator or applying through the link provided. For inquiries, join one of our upcoming informational sessions or reach out to Dr. Demetria Smith at smithdl@scsk12.org.

Reading 360 Alternative

Beginning Aug. 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. Both the trainings and the assessment are free to all educators.

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

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

Wonders & myPerspective Writing Sessions

Join us in celebrating the many places, reasons, and ways our MSCS students write each day—as an essential component of literacy. Help support our students by encouraging them to lift their voices and their pencils (or keyboards) to the things that matter most to them. Learn more about the National Day of Writing by visiting the NCTE website HERE for ideas to get students thinking about #whyIwrite. Want to learn more about how to teach writing using the ELA curriculum resources? Then join us for one of the October vendor-led writing sessions. Click HERE for PD details and promote writing all year long!

Wonders Writing session:

Session Title: Writing in the K-5 Wonders Curriculum (Elementary)

Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 4:30-5:30pm | PLZ Section #69649

myPerspectives Writing sessions:

Session Title: Writing Opportunities in the myPerspectives Curriculum (Secondary/6-12)

Tuesday, Oct. 24 (Grades 6-8) | 4:-5:30pm | PLZ Section #69748

Thursday, Oct. 26 (Grades 9-12) | 3:30-5pm | PLZ Section #69749

Questions? Email ci_ela_team@scsk12.org

Friday, Oct. 20 is the

National Day on Writing!

2023-24 Growth & Achievement Selections

The window for completing Growth and Achievement selections for the SY2023-24 is open from Oct. 2-27. Please find the guidance for EDUCATORS and EVALUATORS , which can also be found in PLZ under the "Resources" tab for completing the selections for Growth and Achievement.

Questions or concerns? Call 901.416.2475 or send an email to eps@scsk12.org .

Fall 2023 Student Perception Survey