Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins and school board members embarked on a series of school visits on the first day of the 2024-25 school year to welcome students back to class.
Several schools honored unique traditions to kick-off the year, including Germantown High School.
“We have an opening day pep rally, and it gives our band kids a chance to perform and a chance to get out there in front of their classmates and get these kids up and ready and attack school on the first day,” said Germantown High School Principal Jon Stencel. Student Government leaders addressed their classmates in the courtyard briefly before the opening bell rang.
Board members also participated in the first-day excitement, with one member returning to the classroom! Board Chair Althea Greene stepped in to teach at Wells Station Elementary School. Board member Joyce Dorse Coleman (District 9) waved to families while directing traffic at Colonial Middle School. Board members Kevin Woods (District 4) and Frank Johnson (District 7) walked the halls of schools in their districts alongside Tamarques Porter and Towanna Murphy, the new board-member elects for their respective districts. District 3 Board Member Stephanie Love visited with students and teachers at Raleigh-Egypt High School, and District 6 Board Member Keith Williams stopped by several schools, including Whitehaven Elementary and High Schools, giving advice to students and encouraging words to administrators.
Cameras captured the back-to-school buzz at a few MSCS schools including Shelby Oaks Elementary. Community members, cheerleaders, and staff lined the walkways to welcome little learners into their classrooms!
“We’re excited to have a chance to reconnect after a summer away,” said Shelby Oaks Elementary School Principal Michelle Hope.
The visits were part of the district's ongoing efforts to engage with the community and build strong relationships with families. During the visits, leaders toured classrooms and briefly visited with students and staff.