Weekly Leadership Connection

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

– John F. Kennedy

Hello, I hope you're doing well. It's been a fantastic week! Last night at the board meeting, I had the pleasure of sharing some of the tremendous things happening in our schools. One thing that stood out to me was the poster in a classroom about "productive struggle." It's a valuable concept—achieving a high level often requires overcoming setbacks and frustration. Teaching this lesson in our schools is crucial, as it will benefit our students far beyond their school years.

I was also thrilled to see the use of small group instruction and posted learning objectives. I gave special recognition to a teacher who posted learning objectives and included success criteria for each—an incredibly effective teaching strategy that drives student progress. Lastly, I highlighted the importance of hands-on learning. When students can actively engage by building or creating, their learning reaches new heights.

Thank you for all the hard work you're putting in, both as teachers and parents. Together, we are making great things happen. Have a wonderful week!

Check out some of the learning that is happening in our district.

A poster in a teachers room helping their students learn how to cope with struggle during learning.

Hands On Instruction at SCHS — Students at SCHS were involved in "hands-on" learning.

teachers bulletin board with learning targets — Teachers across the district post their learning targets along with "I can..." statements to help students focus their learning goals.

4-H participants at the student auction — Our students also benefit from participation in community events like the 4-H Student Auction.

MCMS students working in a group. — MCMS students are working in a collaborative group. The design of this 21st Century building allows space for break out group work.

NECC Born Learning Academy — At Northside Early Childhood Center, our families learn together during Born Learning Academy nights. They share a meal and learn about literacy and how to help their students learn at home.

SCPS is exploring College and Career Labs for our middle school students.

The freshman class at Shelby County High School held a fundraiser to raise funds for Camp Quality Kentuckiana, an organization dedicated to supporting children battling cancer.

We proudly announce that they raised over $200 to donate to this wonderful cause! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support.

Together, we’re making a difference! #SCHSGoesGold #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #CampQualityKentuckiana #SCHSClassof2028 #MakingADifference #GoGold

Inspired activities and community engagement enhance our learning and leadership across the district.

two first graders holding certificates with the superintendent

six high school students with certificates and the superintendent — Left: Anna Leigh Davis and Davis Workman, students at Simpsonville Elementary led the Board of Education in the Pledge to the Flag at the September 30th Meeting. Above: Students from SCHS and MLCHS who participated in the Governor's Scholars program and the Governor's School for the Arts were recognized and the board enjoyed asking them questions about their experience.

Community Conversation October 8th at 5:00 pm Simpson — SCPS will hold Community Conversations on October 8th at 5:00 pm at the Simpsonville City Offices, 108 Veechdale Road. We hope to see you there!

SCPS llevará a cabo conversaciones comunitarias el 8 de octubre a las 5:00 pm en las oficinas de la ciudad de Simpsonville, 108 Veechdale Road. ¡Esperamos verte allí!

ICYMI: Dr. Matthews shares a Weekly Recap every Friday. We share information and pictures from the past week.

Weekly Planner. Check for more information on your school's calendar of events!

WLC 10.1.24