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The Collierville Connection - April 2026

Posted Date: 03/31/26 (03:00 PM)


The Collierville Connection district newsletter with students and staff in the background banner.

April 2026 Edition

Rooted in our CS2030 mission: Empowering all students to achieve success through a comprehensive educational journey that prepares them for college, careers, and life.
 

In This Issue

  • Message from Dr. Dyer
  • What's For Lunch?
  • Important Dates
  • Kindergarten Kickoff!
  • Updated TCAP Testing Window
  • Summer Camp Information
  • Exceptional Children Night at Baseball
  • Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings
  • Upcoming Fine Arts Opportunities
  • Stay Updated
  • Collierville Cares Line
 

Message from Dr. Dyer

Dear Collierville Schools Families and Staff –
 
As we enter April, there is a feeling of energy and excitement in our schools. The end of the school year is approaching, but important learning is still taking place in every building. This time of year requires all of us, students and adults, to stay focused and give our best effort. That’s why perseverance is an appropriate focus for the month ahead. For April, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Word of the Month is Perseverance.

At its heart, perseverance means sticking with something even when it becomes difficult. Throughout our district, we see students demonstrating this daily, whether they are preparing for assessments, finishing long-term projects, helping a classmate, or staying engaged when their thoughts drift toward summer. These everyday choices build not only academic skills but also confidence, resilience, and responsibility. This focus connects directly to our CS2030 strategic plan, which highlights the importance of equipping students with the skills and character they need to succeed beyond the classroom.

Perseverance helps students understand that progress comes from consistent effort, and that challenges are part of learning rather than obstacles. Thank you for your continued partnership as we encourage our students to finish the year strong. Your support at home and in our community makes a significant difference. Together, we are helping them grow into determined, capable young people ready for whatever comes next.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Russell Dyer
Director of Schools
 

What's For Lunch?

Collierville Schools Menus
 

Important Dates

  • March 30 - April 3: CLEP Testing (Grades 9-12)
  • April 3: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
  • April 6: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
  • April 13: SDC Testing Begins
  • April 20: TCAP Testing Block Begins
  • April 21: Board of Education Work Session (4 PM)
  • April 23: Kindergarten Kickoff (6 PM at your zoned school)
  • April 27-May 1: CLEP Testing (select Grade 8)
  • April 28: Board of Education Business Meeting (6 PM)
Collierville Schools Calendars
 

Kindergarten Kickoff!

For families with rising kindergarteners, it's time to save some important dates as you prepare for next school year.

2026-27 Upcoming Kindergarten Events: 
  • April 23 at 6 PM - Kindergarten Kickoff at your zoned school
  • May 4-7 (9:30 AM-11:30 AM each day) - Kindergarten Early Registration at your zoned school

To stay up-to-date on information from your zoned school, please fill out the Kindergarten Intent Form. Please note, the intent form is NOT registration, simply a way to ensure the school can communicate with you about upcoming important information.
Kindergarten Information Page
Kindergarten Intent Form
School Zone Locator
 

TCAP Testing Window Updates

Due to instructional disruptions from winter storms across the state, the TN Department of Education has extended the Spring 2026 TCAP testing window. These adjustments will provide an additional week for classroom instruction, while also ensuring that results are received in time to allow for 3rd-grade ELA retakes (elementary) and for use in course grades (middle and high). Testing was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, April 13. The new district testing windows appear below: 

Grades 2-5 = April 20 - May 6
Grades 6-8 = April 20 - May 8
Grades 9-12 = April 20 - May 5

To support your children during testing, please ensure they:
  • Arrive at school on time
  • Get a good night’s rest
  • Eat a healthy breakfast
  • Avoid scheduling appointments during the testing window whenever possible

We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students during this important assessment period. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.
 

Collierville Schools Summer Camps

Looking for an exciting way for your children to spend their summer? Collierville Schools offers camps and clinics focusing on fundamentals, mechanics, and general knowledge across various sports and disciplines. Our dedicated coaches and staff love teaching the youth in our community, providing enriching learning experiences, and helping campers in grades 1-9 build lasting friendships.

Campers will leave with new ideas and skills, all while discovering how much fun extracurricular activities and sports can be.

Don't miss out on the chance to learn, grow, and have a blast this summer!
Register for Camp Today!
Collierville Dragons Baseball presents Exceptional Children Night on Friday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at Patriot Bank Park.

Exceptional Children Night at CHS Baseball

Collierville Dragons Baseball presents Exceptional Children Night, a night filled with baseball, smiles, and fun for our special needs families! 
 
Friday, April 10 at 6 PM
Patriot Bank Park at Collierville High School
11605 E. Shelby Drive, Collierville TN 38017
 
Activities include sensory zone, foam ball toss, mascot meet-and-greet, crafts and more. 
 
Wear purple and come celebrate with the Collierville High School Baseball team!
Click here to register!
 

Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings

Connecting our school community—students, staff, and families.
Four young chess players in matching black t-shirts stand with a trophy in front of large illuminated letters spelling 'NITECH'.

WCMS Chess Finishes Second at State

On March 21, team members represented West TN Region 4 in the TN State Scholastic Team Chess Tournament in Cookeville.

The middle school division team of Navilon Muthukumar, Shriven Babu, Charan Simhadri, and Declan Hopkins brought home the 2nd place trophy—the best performance in the school’s history.

Meanwhile, the high school division team of Aneesh Dhyani, Eshaan Vana, Agastya Rana, Jayaditya Lingam, and Vihan Katyare tied with four high school teams in the 15-team competition.
Two groups of students standing with championship banners at a robotics competition.

CMS and WCMS Earn Bids to VEX V5 World Championship

For the first time since Collierville launched its middle school robotics programs in 2017–18, both Collierville Middle School and West Collierville Middle School have earned spots at the VEX V5 World Championship this April in St. Louis, MO.

More than 250 middle school teams competed across Tennessee this season.
• Collierville Middle School qualified by winning the Tennessee State Championship.
• West Collierville Middle School earned its bid by finishing second in the state in Skills.

This marks a major milestone for Collierville Schools and a proud moment for both robotics programs.

Collierville Schools Board of Education Designated TSBA Board of Distinction

Tennessee School Boards Association Vice-President Michelle McKissack recognized the Collierville Schools Board of Education with the TSBA Board of Distinction Award at the March business meeting.

The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Board of Distinction award recognizes school boards that meet specified requirements in four key areas: planning, policy, promotion, and board development. This prestigious award celebrates boards for their dedication to governance excellence and strengthening student success through comprehensive, forward-thinking policies.
Six individuals stand together in front of a wall with the "Collierville Schools" logo and motto.
A group of educators stand holding large checks from Landers in front of a Collierville Schools banner.

Landers Auto Group President Kent Ritchey Honors 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year

We were honored to welcome Mr. Kent Ritchey, President of Landers Auto Group, to the March Board of Education Business Meeting, where he presented each of our nine Teachers of the Year with a $5,000 check.

Congratulations again to our Teachers of the Year!
Bailey Station Elementary: Ashley Billions
Collierville Elementary: Meg Payne
Crosswind Elementary: Kathy Hauss
Schilling Farms Elementary: Nakia White
Sycamore Elementary: Jenna Burke
Tara Oaks Elementary: Neal Asbury
Collierville Middle: Amy Shelton
West Collierville Middle: Britta Hall
Collierville High: Allison Collier

For more than four decades, Kent Ritchey has gone above and beyond to support students and teachers throughout the Mid-South. He regularly helps to fund classroom projects in all nine of our schools, and the Landers name is proudly displayed over our outdoor athletic complex at Collierville High School. As a result of his multiple philanthropic efforts designed to provide long-term benefits for the greater Memphis area, Kent was selected as one of only six Ford Motor Company dealers across the globe to receive the Salute to Dealers honor in 2026.

Thank you to Kent, his wife, Janice, and the team at Landers for supporting our teachers and Collierville Schools!
Four individuals stand together, holding awards in front of a wall with the "COLLIERVILLE SCHOOLS" logo.

Collierville Rotary Club Honors 2025-2026 Principal and Supervisor of the Year

Collierville Schools has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the Collierville Rotary Club, and at the March Board of Education business meeting we were honored to welcome Ms. Terry Dean, Chair of the Collierville Rotary Foundation. She presented both our Principal of the Year, Julie Manhein, and our Supervisor of the Year, Makenzie Perkins, with a $1,000 check in recognition of their outstanding leadership.

For more than two decades, the Rotary Club has supported public education in Collierville through the granting of student scholarships, sponsorship of the CHS Interact Club, volunteering at Dragon Games, and providing awards to the Educators of the Year.

Thank you, Terry, and thank you to all Collierville Rotarians for investing in Collierville Schools!
Four photos that rotate with various teams posing for a photo.

Elementary Basketball Concludes Third Season

Another season of the Collierville Schools Elementary Basketball League is officially in the books!

Girls Champion: Crosswind Elementary School
Girls Runner-Up: Tara Oaks Elementary School
Boys Champion: Sycamore Elementary School
Boys Runner-Up: Collierville Elementary School

Congratulations to all athletes and coaches who participated in the CSEBL this season!
A group of young musicians in matching floral shirts play steel drums outdoors.

School Principals Visit Schilling Farms in March

Our principals had a fantastic visit to Schilling Farms Elementary School in March! From the warm welcome by the Steel Drum Band to a sneak peek at the Stallions’ first‑ever musical production, it was a great day to see what makes Schilling Farms students truly Stallion STRONG.

Thank you, Stallions, for opening your classrooms and welcoming our district principals into your building. We appreciate the opportunity to see your hard work, creativity, and school pride in action!

The Collierville Dragons girls' basketball team poses for a team photo on the court.

CHS Girls' Basketball Qualifies for State

For the first time in 37 years, the Lady Dragons reached the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Class 4A State Championships! Congratulations to Coach Watkins and the Lady Dragons on a phenomenal season, finishing with a 25-10 overall record.
Five young musicians are featured in a graphic celebrating the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Honors Recital Performances.

Woodwind Quintet to Perform at Tennessee Bandmasters Association Honors Recital

The Collierville Woodwind Quintet (Hanna Yu, Eunice Tseng, Noell Mathew, Lucy Smith, Carmen Cyrus) and two soloists (Hannah Yu, Eunice Tseng) have been selected to perform at the Tennessee Bandmasters Association Honors Recital at the upcoming TMEA All-State Conference in Nashville.
A diverse group of children in colorful traditional clothing stand in front of a backdrop of international flags.

Sycamore Elementary Celebrates Annual We Are The World Event

Sycamore Elementary School kicked off Spring Break with one of its most beloved traditions—the annual We Are The World celebration. Featuring representation from 36 countries, the event offered students, staff, and families a chance to come together and honor the diverse cultural roots that strengthen the Sycamore community.
A group of children and two adults pose for a photo on a wooden bench.

Read Across America Week

Schools across the district took part in Community Reader Day, inviting local leaders and special guests to read and connect with our students.

Thank you to all of our community readers for generously sharing your time and helping inspire a love of reading in our classrooms.

CHS Aviation Teacher Chester Striplin Earns March Heart of Collierville Recognition

Congratulations to Mr. Chester Striplin of Collierville High School on being named the March recipient of the Heart of Collierville Award!

Mr. Striplin has played a critical role in creating the foundation of the aviation program at Collierville High School and continues to grow it through his unwavering commitment to student success. Transitioning into public education, he learned the ins and outs of being a classroom teacher and has excelled in engaging students, building strong relationships, and motivating them to pursue careers in aviation. He consistently checks in with students on their flight progress and treats each student as a future pilot, always with respect and high expectations.

Since the program began, Mr. Striplin has endorsed approximately 90 students who passed their FAA written exams and has maintained a 100% checkride pass rate for 23 students who earned their Private Pilot’s License, with many more on track this year. His mentorship has opened doors for students who never believed becoming a pilot was possible, and today many alumni are enrolled in colleges and flight schools throughout the region.

At the District Administration Leadership Institute Superintendents Summit last December, Collierville Schools was named a 2026 District of Distinction in the STEM & Career Pathways category for its innovative aviation program.

A group of students and adults pose for a photo in a classroom with computers and aviation-themed posters.
 

Upcoming Fine Arts Opportunities

Tickets are now on sale HERE for the final two productions of the school year for the Draco Playhouse at Collierville High School:
  • The 39 Steps (April 16-19) - Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters, an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance! Join us seated on the stage for this in-the-round dinner theatre.
  • 12 Angry Jurors (April 30 - May 3) - A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. "He doesn't stand a chance," mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case - until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts. Testimonies are re-examined, tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and a new murder threat is born before their eyes. The jurors' final verdict and how they reach it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
 

Spring Sports are Officially Underway in Collierville Schools!

Our student‑athletes are gearing up for an exciting spring season! We encourage families, fans, and community members to come out and support our Dragons this spring.

For full team schedules, please visit:
 

Stay Updated

For the latest news, updates, and resources, please visit:
 
Collierville Cares Line
Career Opportunities
Collierville Schools logo with children in the background.