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The Collierville Connection: October 2026 Edition

Posted Date: 09/30/26 (03:30 PM)


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

October 2026 Newsletter

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/Calendars
  • TISA Accountability Feedback Requested
  • Race for the 'Ville Information
  • Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings
  • Stay Updated
  • Collierville Cares
  • Career Opportunities
  • Collierville Burch Library Upcoming Events
 

Message from Dr. Dyer

Dear Collierville Schools Families - 

It's hard to believe we're already closing the first quarter of the school year. As I visit classrooms, attend events, and spend time in our schools, I'm continually reminded of what makes Collierville Schools special: our students, our employees, and the families who support them.

October is National Principals Month, and I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional leaders serving our nine schools. Our principals wear many hats each day as instructional leaders, problem-solvers, cheerleaders, and relationship-builders. They play a vital role in creating school cultures where students can learn, grow, and succeed, and I am grateful for their dedication to our schools and community.

Throughout October, students will also be learning about Self-Direct, the Capturing Kids' Hearts October character trait. Being self-directed means taking responsibility, showing initiative, and making positive choices without having to be reminded. These are important skills that help students succeed not only in school, but throughout life.

As Fall Break approaches, I hope our students, employees, and families enjoy a well-deserved opportunity to slow down, recharge, and spend time with those who matter most. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Collierville Schools. 

Sincerely, 
Dr. Russell Dyer
Director of Schools
 

What's for Lunch?

Collierville Schools Menus
 

Important Dates

  • October 1: Homecoming Parade
  • October 9: End of First Quarter
  • October 12-16: Fall Break (No School)
  • October 19: Start of Second Quarter
  • October 20: Board of Education Work Session at 4 PM
  • October 27: Board of Education Business Meeting at 6 PM
  • November 3: No School for Students (Professional Development for Teachers/Election Day)
Collierville Schools Calendars
 

TISA Accountability Feedback Requested

The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act (TCA 49-2-112) requires each school district to submit a TISA Accountability Report by November 1 of each year to summarize the academic goals being addressed with TISA funding. Legislation also requires that districts provide opportunities for local public comment on this report. Below are a few questions and space for public comments that Collierville Schools can use to inform action steps. Please review the TISA Accountability Report and District Improvement Plan (embedded in the link below) before answering the questions. This survey will be open for public comments and input from September 30-October 8, 2026.
TISA Accountability Feedback
 
The text 'Race for the Ville 2026' is displayed in large, teal font against a dark background with neon vertical lines.
Race for the 'Ville Registration
Family Resource Center

Grab your glow gear and lace up your running shoes!

The 11th Annual Race for the ’Ville Glow Run benefiting the Collierville Schools Family Resource Center is set for Saturday, November 7, at West Collierville Middle School, and registration is now open. The event features a timed 5K Glow Run, a One-Mile Family Fun Run, and a Spirit Runner option for those who want to support the cause without participating in the race.

Race for the ‘Ville is the Family Resource Center's only fundraiser for the year. With these funds, the FRC can stay fully stocked with items a family could need such as food, shoes, clothes, school supplies, toiletry items, and household items. The funds are also available to help supplement items for the Weekend Food Program that provides food assistance to students over the weekends during the school year.

  • Early bird pricing ends October 9
  • October 9 is also the last day to guarantee an event t-shirt
  • All proceeds benefit the Collierville Schools Family Resource Center

Don't wait, sign up today and help light up the night for a great cause!
 

Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings

Staying connected to what matters most in our schools—our students!
A collage of photos shows groups of smiling school staff members posing together in various school settings.

Three Collierville Schools Earn Apple Distinguished School Recognition

Collierville Schools is proud to announce that Bailey Station Elementary School, Tara Oaks Elementary School, and West Collierville Middle School have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools for the 2026-2029 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.

This marks the first Apple Distinguished School recognition for Tara Oaks Elementary School, while Bailey Station Elementary School and West Collierville Middle School earned renewed designation after being recognized during the 2023-2026 program term. With these selections, Collierville Schools now has five Apple Distinguished Schools across the district. There are just over 1,200 Apple Distinguished Schools in 41 countries around the world.

Active Collierville Schools Apple Distinguished Schools:
Collierville Elementary School (2024-2027)
Crosswind Elementary School (2024-2027)
Bailey Station Elementary School (2026-2029)
Tara Oaks Elementary School (2026-2029)
West Collierville Middle School (2026-2029)

Seven students stand smiling together in a school hallway with the word HERITAGE painted on the brick wall behind them.

Eight CHS Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to the eight Collierville High School seniors named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program!

Selected from more than 1.2 million students nationwide, these outstanding scholars represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. We are incredibly proud of their academic achievement and wish them the best as they continue in the competition.

(L to R): Front: Sanvi Acharya, Ella Liu, Janani Prakash
Back : Advait Mahale, Vaibhav Krishnamurthi, Charith Nimmagadda, Josh Rambiya, Noah Benson
A group of students proudly hold up their certificates inside a brightly lit school hallway with large windows.

CHS National Merit Commended Scholars Announced

Collierville High School proudly congratulates the following students on being named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program!

This recognition reflects their exceptional academic promise and strong performance on the program's qualifying assessment. We commend these students for their hard work and dedication and celebrate this significant accomplishment.

(Listed alphabetically): Mia Arredondo, Angeline Chen, Amrutha Varshini Ganti, Nabil Ibrahim, Jessica Jin, Knish Kathiriya, Uthej Katikaneni, Satvik Koya, Balaji Kundapura Srinivasa, Matthew McGregor, Yuvraj Raghuwanshi, Dylan Rashid, Maret Roberts, Srinithi Srinivasan, Makayla Young
Collierville High School Jazz Band poses on wooden steps as a Commended Winner in the 2026 National Jazz Honors Project.

CHS Jazz Band Earns National Jazz Honor Project Recognition

The Collierville High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Mrs. Cari Burgess, has been chosen as a 2026 Commended Winner of the National Jazz Honors Project - Mark of Excellence!  Recordings were submitted in this national competition, and our CHS students were recognized among the Top 10 in the country. 
A young man and woman stand on a football field in light blue Titans jerseys, each holding a customized football.

Brayden Santibanez Named to the NFL Latino Youth Honors Program

Last spring, Collierville High School’s Brayden Santibanez was selected as the Tennessee Titans’ male nominee for the NFL Latino Youth Honors Program. On Sunday, September 20, Brayden, along with Southwind’s Emily Castillo, was recognized during the Titans’ Latino Heritage Month Game at Nissan Stadium.

Brayden is one of just 32 male student-athletes in the country selected for this honor. 

Congratulations, Brayden!
A row of small American flags lines a concrete walkway in the grass.

Collierville Schools Honors the 25th Anniversary of September 11

Students and staff across Collierville Schools recently came together to honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, through ceremonies, moments of reflection, and lessons focused on service, sacrifice, and resilience. As we remember those who lost their lives and recognize the bravery of first responders and everyday heroes, we are reminded of the importance of unity, compassion, and civic responsibility.
A smiling man wearing a straw cowboy hat and pink overalls takes a selfie at a crowded event.

CHS Computer Science Teacher Harl Roehm Recognized as a Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert

Mr. Harl Roehm was recently named a Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert for 2026–2027, recognizing educators who are helping transform learning through technology and innovation.

His expertise is also being recognized beyond Collierville Schools. Mr. Roehm has been invited to serve as a Keynote Speaker at the December 2026 TETC Conference and as a presenter at the January 2027 TCEA Conference.

As a member of the CHS Computer Science Department, Mr. Roehm teaches coding and cybersecurity, helping our students develop the skills and knowledge needed for an ever-changing digital world.

Congratulations, Mr. Roehm!
A smiling man tries on firefighter gear, giving a thumbs up next to a smiling firefighter in a classroom.

Collierville Fire & Rescue Visits Transition Academy Students

Earlier this month, the crew from Ladder 86 made a visit to the Transition students at Collierville High School and talked about the many ways firefighters help people, what firefighters wear each day, and the special protective gear they put on when responding to a fire.

The more familiar our students are with firefighters, our gear, and what we may look and sound like during an emergency, the better prepared they can be if they ever need our help.

In addition to the educational programs they provide in our schools, Collierville Fire & Rescue offers a Special Needs/Home Concern Registration program for residents who may need additional assistance during an emergency or disaster. The voluntary registration helps first responders better understand the needs of individuals who may require extra support if emergency services are needed at their home. Families who may benefit from this resource can complete the registration form here.

A detailed black and white pencil drawing of a person's face next to a blue ribbon from the Delta Fair & Music Festival.

Congratulations to the Delta Fair Art Winners!

Congratulations to all of our students who represented Collierville Schools at this year's Delta Fair Art Contest! Their creativity, talent, and hard work were on full display, and we are proud of the many students who earned recognition for their outstanding artwork. Click the links below to view some of this year's winning entries.

A gold textured graphic for Student of the Month, featuring a red ribbon, white text, blue stars, Patriot Bank, and Collierville Schools logos.

Patriot Bank Mortgage September Student of the Month

Ta'Miya West, Collierville High School's Patriot Bank Mortgage Student of the Month for September, is a leader who makes a difference both in and out of the classroom.

As Senior Class President, Varsity Dance Team Captain, SGA Secretary, and an active member of several student organizations, she is known for bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging for her classmates. A talented dancer and award-winning performer, Ta'Miya has earned recognition for her leadership, inclusivity, and positive attitude.

Perhaps the honor that best describes her, however, is one chosen by her peers: "Most Likely to Brighten Your Day."

Congratulations, Ta'Miya!
A graphic features a white heart on a shimmering pink background with the text 'Heart of Collierville EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM' and the Collierville Schools logo.

September Heart of Collierville Recipient

Ms. Kellie Dood, Special Education and Occupational Diploma Teacher, has been named the September Heart of Collierville recipient. According to her nomination, Ms. Dood is the heart of Transition Hall, consistently going above and beyond to serve students, colleagues, and the entire special education program. 

A trusted resource for everything from IEPs and behavior plans to mentoring staff and assisting students beyond her caseload, Ms. Dood steps in wherever needed, and her dedication, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to others make her exceptionally deserving of the Heart of Collierville Award.

Congratulations, Ms. Dood!
A white SUV decorated with green balloons and tinsel drives past a cheering crowd.

Four Houses, One School!

Parents and family members kicked off HOUSE SORTING DAY at Collierville Elementary School in style, decorating more than 65 vehicles in red, black, blue, and green to represent their students' houses! 

A young boy celebrates enthusiastically in front of a large, colorful prize wheel with numbers and icons.

Six Houses, One School!

Six houses, one school! It was SORTING day earlier this month at Schilling Farms Elementary School!

One of the highlights was unveiling the new SFES House Wheel, designed and built by a talented team of Collierville High School students alongside teachers Mr. Gray, Mr. Charbonnet, Ms. Touliatos, and Ms. Ballenger!

A composite image features young tennis players and a coach posing with state championship signs and medals outdoors.

STATE CHAMPIONS! Combined Middle School Tennis Teams Win State

USTA Tennessee and TSSAA partnered to host the Middle School Tennis State Championships in Murfreesboro on September 25-27, 2026, and the combined Collierville Middle School and West Collierville Middle School tennis teams rose to the occasion, capturing state championships in the boys division, girls division, and junior varsity competition. 

What an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. Congratulations on an outstanding season, and Go Dragons!
 

Stay Updated

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