Arlington Community Schools has launched a new program called Closegap to assist students who are dealing with emotional and mental health problems.

SCS Superintendent Joris Ray and his counterparts in Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga appeared virtually for an hourlong panel discussion with members of the House Democratic Caucus ahead of this year’s legislative session.

The city of Germantown will fulfill its $5 million commitment so the suburb’s school district can move forward with an $8 million addition to Houston Middle School.

As of Wednesday, 40% of Tennessee’s 95 counties had moved into the priority group that includes teachers. Those areas have smaller populations and fewer health care workers to inoculate after years of rural hospital closures.

The tension between the Memphis leader and state officials illustrates the differences in how Tennesseans are responding to school safety concerns related to the virus. 

Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis, a civil rights pioneer and champion of gender and racial equality, has died at age 86. 

Calling it an “exciting moment,” Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on Monday unveiled Reading 360, an array of programs to train teachers on reading instruction and provide resources to school districts.

University of Memphis officials say they’re mulling over the future of Sparks Bureau of Business and Economic Research to see if it can continue serving business, government and community organizations.

They’ll be able to get their shots during the same phase as Tennesseans ages 75 and above — and before those in the 65-74 age bracket.

The Republican governor wants the newly elected 112th General Assembly to convene on Jan. 19 to look specifically at education challenges during the pandemic. 

Gov. Bill Lee declared Pfizer’s vaccine “safe” as Tennessee gave its first doses to health care workers while recording some of the nation’s highest rates of virus spread. The Republican governor reiterated that the shots will be optional for people in public schools.

After years of waiting and debating, construction of Lakeland’s high school is underway an on schedule to open for the 2022-23 school year.

Shelby County Schools leaders recently revised how the Memphis district handles sexual harassment complaints after pressure from former and current students who championed the change starting four years ago. 

During a November video call with his algebra teacher, the 14-year-old had a terrible realization: There was a tab he never clicked on, where his teachers had noted missing assignments. Jalan, typically an A student, had 73 assignments in seven classes that were overdue. 

The University of Memphis law school legal clinic will be renamed in honor of James ‘Jim’ Gilliland Sr.

The grant is for a project at Belle Forest Community School.

CBU also delays graduation ceremony, with plans to honor graduates of both 2020 and 2021 at the Renasant Convention Center May 29, 2021.

After a five-year tenure in the Arlington Community Schools administrative offices, Tonya Hawkins is returning the Arlington Elementary, this time, leading the school as its new principal.

LeMoyne-Owen College has named Vernell Bennett-Fairs its new president.

Germantown’s community has prioritized safety and Superintendent Jason Manuel shared how that impacts its students and staff in its schools.

Collierville High School students will not return to school in January as the district previously announced.

The request would increase to about $50 million annually in the third year as the Memphis district hires more teacher assistants for students in K-2.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services child care assistance program for workers deemed “essential” during the pandemic expires Dec. 31. The state has no plans to renew the program.

The University of Memphis unveiled plans Monday, Dec. 14, for a plaque honoring Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon Willis, the school’s first African American faculty member. 

As parents of students attending Shelby County Schools grapple with how to handle in-person learning once it resumes, larger school districts elsewhere in Tennessee are making plans as well. Related article: Lopsided teacher/student ratio fuel differing decisions