Sunny and Chilly in Memphis: Schools Aim for Excellence Amid Community Challenges

Sunny and Chilly in Memphis: What’s Happening in Our Schools

Hey there, Memphis! It’s a lovely sunny day today with a chilly twist! The high is expected to reach a cozy 55°F, and a gentle breeze from the west-southwest at around 5 to 10 mph will keep things fresh. Overnight, temperatures will dip to around 43°F so make sure to grab a light jacket if you head out tonight!

A New Chapter for Memphis-Shelby County Schools

In some exciting news for our local education scene, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has put out a call for a new Superintendent! This announcement is a big deal as our schools look to amplify their efforts in boosting student achievement. Feel like making a difference? This could be your chance!

As part of the accountability process, Tennessee’s school districts were recently evaluated based on six important indicators that shape our students’ learning experiences. This includes success rates from grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, attendance figures, English language proficiency assessments, and graduation rates.

Celebrating Achievement: Exemplary Schools in Our Area

Here’s the big news: for the 2023-24 school year, an impressive total of 10 school districts across the state earned the highest designation of exemplary! Phew, that’s no small feat! This means they scored a solid 3.1 or higher on a 4-point scale. Among these celebrated districts, we have three right in the FOX13 viewing area: Arlington Community Schools, Bells City Schools in Crockett County, and Collierville Schools. A huge shout-out to them for their hard work!

The second tier of accomplishment is known as advancing, with scores ranging from 2.1 to less than 3.1. Unfortunately, all the other districts in Shelby County, including Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Bartlett, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington, fall into this bracket. However, it’s a positive note that MSCS made a commendable leap from their previous year’s rating of satisfactory!

Schools on the Upswing

Even more encouraging is that five MSCS schools have successfully erased their names from the state’s list of schools needing improvements! Kudos to Booker T. Washington High, Cherokee Elementary, Kingsbury High, KIPP Memphis Collegiate High, and Manassas High for their significant progress!

If you’re curious to see how your local school stacks up against the competition, you can explore all the accountability scores that have been released.

Tragic Events and Community Responses

23-year-old woman lost her life following gunfire that led to a car crash. Such events remind us of the work that still lies ahead in promoting safety within our communities.

On a related note, Mayor Paul Young has introduced a new city-wide public safety plan as part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures throughout Memphis. “We still have a lot of work to do,” he exclaimed, emphasizing the importance of collective action to create a safer environment for all.

The Heart of Memphis Remains Strong

Amid these challenges, let’s continue to rally together as a community. Whether it’s celebrating the triumphs in our schools or supporting one another in more difficult times, Memphis always shows resilience. Let’s keep that spirit alive as we move forward!

That’s all from sunny Memphis today! Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s keep cheering on our schools!