The opt-out policy has been blocked in three metro counties, including Shelby County.

A 13-year-old student at Cummings K-8 is expected to make a full recovery after being shot at school. Another 13-year-old is under investigation, and will face a charge of criminal attempt first degree murder. 

A University of Memphis high school has been approved to open next school year, despite the urges of two SCS board members who pushed for establishment of protocols and further discussion about the school. 

Despite the learning loss that students faced after losing about a year of in-classroom instruction, the Tennessee Department of Education’s school report cards have designated six schools in the Memphis area as reward schools.

Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced good news last week — new summer literacy and math programs were a statewide success, with students seeing significant progress. But, some teachers and Democrats questioned the results, saying it’s too early to celebrate the data.

In a surprise ceremony in the school’s gym, Tennessee State University granted scholarships to the entire senior class at Middle College High School.

FCS was informed the student had been out of school since Aug. 16 due to an unrelated issue before being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to FCS spokesperson Erica Williams.

Shelby County Schools is offering meals for students who are in quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure. Parents can pick up the meals each morning in a drive-thru at the schools.

SCS Superintendent Joris M. Ray and Deputy Superintendent Angela Whitelaw joined Behind the Headlines to discuss what the full return to school buildings looks like and what the district is doing to keep students safe. 

Shelby County Schools reported 516 new COVID-19 cases among students and 69 among staff at the district’s public and charter schools.

Federal Judge Sheryl Lipman ruled Friday morning ruled that the mask mandate in K-12 schools in Shelby County is lawful.

Compromise possible but lawyers say it’s more likely restraining order will be extended.

Germantown has named its first student board member. She will serve a one-year term in an advisory non-voting role.

The Memphis Grizzlies unveiled a newly renovated library Tuesday morning at Gordon Achievement Academy, the two-time winner of the team’s “Read to Achieve” contest.

An email to the campus community from interim president Carroll Stevens last week acknowledged incidents “that have contributed to our campus community feeling unsafe, particularly for Black and Jewish students.”

Lakeland School System (LSS) Superintendent Ted Horrell is the 2022 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year, the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents announced.

The University of Memphis moved from No. 126 in 2021 to No. 123 in the Top Public Schools list. The college rose 20 spots in the Social Mobility category for efforts that have improved graduation rates for Pell-eligible students.

The University of Memphis desires to maintain its presence in Collierville. However, that presence has changed from what it was when the university opened its suburban campus in 2015.

Shelby County Schools reported 490 student cases among the district’s public and charter schools and 89 cases among staff.

Parents staged a protest at the SCS Board of Education to follow up on their concerns about the safety of their children and what they said was distasteful mistreatment in a meeting led by Deputy Superintendent John Barker.

One of Southwest’s biggest challenges in future years is increasing enrollment at its Gill Center. There are only 17 students taking classes at the Frayser campus.

With the challenges of a pandemic stretching into this school year, Arlington Community Schools continues to make strides forward, Superintendent Jeff Mayo said.

Germantown is expanding its virtual school to families who want that option for elementary students.

Some Germantown parents are concerned by the suburban school system’s quarantine guidelines. However, Superintendent Jason Manuel said the district is reviewing its measures.

Shelby County is ordered to enforce its universal mask mandate in all schools.