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The Collierville Connection - January 2026

Posted Date: 01/03/26 (03:00 PM)


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

January 2026 Edition

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

In This Issue

  • Message from Dr. Dyer
  • Device Update Time!
  • What's For Lunch?
  • Important Dates
  • Teachers of the Year
  • Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings
  • Stay Updated
  • Collierville Cares Line
 

Message from Dr. Dyer

Dear Collierville Schools Families and Staff - 
 
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday break and enjoyed some time to relax and recharge. It’s hard to believe we’re already kicking off 2026, but I’m excited about what’s ahead.
 
This school year has been fantastic so far, and that’s because of the hard work and dedication from our teachers, staff, students, and families. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make the first semester such a success.
 
Now, let’s start January strong. The second semester is an important stretch, and I know we can keep the momentum going. Together, we’ll make the rest of this year just as great!
 
Here’s to a fantastic start to the second semester!
 
Sincerely, 
Dr. Russell Dyer
Director of Schools
 
Collierville Schools logo and text 'DEVICE UPDATE TIME!' on a blue gradient background.

Device Updates for Students and Staff

Grades 3-8: iOS26 has been released and is now available on all student iPads in grades 3-8. This will ensure iPads are ready to use for learning when students return on January 6. To upgrade, please connect the iPad to WiFi and power. Then open the Settings app, tap General> Software Update> and follow the prompts to complete the iOS26 installation. 

Grades 9-12: Students, please open your school laptop, connect it to WiFi, and let it sit to receive new commands. It only takes a few minutes and keeps everything running smoothly when you’re back on January 6. 

Staff: OS26 has been released and is now available on all STAFF computers and iPads. As always, be sure you have saved all important files to OneDrive (or another backup source) before upgrading. 
  • To upgrade your iPad, please connect the iPad to WiFi and power. Then open the Settings app, tap General> Software Update> and follow the prompts to complete the iOS26 installation. 
  • To upgrade your computer, please connect the computer to WiFi and power. Then open the System Settings app, tap General> Software Update and follow the prompts to complete the macOS26 installation.
 

What's For Lunch?

Collierville Schools Menus
 

Important Dates

  • January 5: Administrative Day - No School for Students
  • January 6: First Day of Second Semester
  • January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School for Students and Staff
  • January 20: Board of Education Work Session at 4 PM
  • January 27: Board of Education Business Meeting at 6 PM
Collierville Schools Calendars
 
Banner with the text 'Teachers of the Year' in elegant script.

District-Level Teachers of the Year

Congratulations to the following outstanding educators for their designation as Collierville Schools’ 2025-26 District-Level Teachers of the Year. They are now eligible for region-level consideration in the Tennessee Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year selection process:

  • Pre-K & Elementary School - Jenna Burke (Sycamore Elementary)
  • Middle School - Britta Hall (West Collierville Middle)
  • High School - Allison Collier (Collierville High)
Award banner with text 'Principal/Supervisor of the Year' and a crest with '2013'.

Principal/Supervisor of the Year

Congratulations to the following leaders who have been selected by Collierville Schools as district representatives in this year’s TDOE recognition programs:

  • Principal of the Year - Julie Manhein, Sycamore Elementary School
  • Supervisor of the Year - Makenzie Perkins, District Counseling and Threat Assessment Supervisor
 

Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings

Staying connected to what matters most in our schools—our students!
Deanna Jones is congratulated as Tennessee's 2025-26 Principal of the Year.

Bailey Station's Deanna Jones Named TDOE Principal of the Year

The Tennessee Department of Education announced on December 6, 2025 that Deanna Jones, principal of Bailey Station Elementary School, has been named the 2025–26 Tennessee Principal of the Year during the department’s Excellence in Education celebration. This marks the first time a Tennessee school district has produced both Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year honorees in the same academic year. Dr. Brandi De La Cruz of Collierville High School was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year in August.

A smiling man holds a 'District of Distinction' award for STEM & Career Pathways, presented to Collierville Schools.

Collierville Schools Named District of Distinction by DALI

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

Launched in 2021 through the Innovative High School Models Grant, the aviation program at Collierville High School has grown into a nationally recognized pathway. Our program provides students with real-world experience, the opportunity to earn their private pilot’s license, and direct connections to careers in aviation and aerospace through partnerships with industry leaders such as Helena Chemical, FedEx, and AirVenture. We are proud to be the only school in the region that introduces aviation mechanics at the high school level.

A man in a Santa hat plays a ukulele outdoors with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.

Schilling Farms' Chris Cardona Named CMA Foundation Semifinalist

Mr. Chris Cardona, from Schilling Farms Elementary School, is one of just over 200 semifinalists from across the country to be named a semifinalist for the CMA Country Music Association Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Award.

Congratulations, Mr. Cardona! Finalists for the award will be announced in May.
A diverse group of people, including law enforcement officers and civilians, stand together holding envelopes.

Collierville Education Foundation Distributed $162,000 in Grant Money

Thank you to The Collierville Education Foundation for over $162,000 in grant money distributed this season!

The Collierville Education Foundation was born out of a passionate belief in the transformative power of education. Since its inception in 1996, the Foundation has been dedicated to empowering educators and enriching the lives of students across Collierville. By providing grants for innovative classroom projects, enhancing access to modern resources and supporting creative teaching methods, CEF ignites a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

A group of people, including children and adults in uniform, stand on a stage holding certificates.

2025 Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners

We are incredibly proud to announce that Collierville students brought home seven of the 14 state awards in the 2025 Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Prevention Poster Contest — the most winners Collierville has ever had in a single year!

These talented young artists didn’t just create beautiful posters — they helped educate our entire community about fire safety through the power of art. Congratulations!

Commissioner’s Choice: Claire Wyrick - Crosswind Elementary (5th Grade)
Kindergarten: James McDaniel - Crosswind Elementary
Third Grade: Hishanvi Pradeep - Crosswind Elementary
Fourth Grade: Samyuktha Kailash - Crosswind Elementary
Fifth Grade: Aarush Balaji - Bailey Station Elementary
Sixth Grade: Casen Baker - West Collierville Middle
Eighth Grade: Dah yeon Kang - West Collierville Middle
A group of young women pose for a photo in tiered seating, with one holding a framed jersey.

Alyse Kraemer Named Titan of the Year

The Tennessee Titans announced in December that Alyse Kraemer has been selected as the inaugural High School Titan of the Year, recognizing one boy and one girl who excel on the football field and the classroom and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.

In the community, Alyse’s impact is vast and stretches across multiple organizations with unique missions.

Alyse has combined her passions for horses with service, dedicating her time providing equine training to both inner city students at Southern Blues and for children and adults with disabilities at Southern Reins. In addition, she is heavily involved in church, volunteering at Sunday school, playing the flute in the worship band, and volunteering for youth trips. She has also taken a large role in the Freshman Mentor Program at Collierville High School where she works with new freshmen to help them get adjusted to making the jump to high school. She has also helped to pack food for families facing food insecurity and 10,000 homeless care kits.

A young man in a suit and medal is presented with a "Student of the Month" certificate by two adults.

Lawrence Autry Named Patriot Bank Mortgage Student of the Month

On the football field, Lawrence earned Region 7-6A Offensive Player of the Year honors and was named First-Team All-Region, all while serving as Team Captain for CHS Dragon Football.

Respected by both his peers and teachers, Lawrence has committed to WVU Football, where he plans to continue his football career and major in business.

A special thank you to the Collierville Chamber of Commerce and Patriot Bank Mortgage for providing this opportunity to showcase the outstanding students of Collierville High School.

A group of smiling students and a man stand in front of a "Collierville Schools" sign.

Dr. Dyer Meets with Elementary Student Advisory Committee

Dr. Dyer welcomed students from all six Collierville elementary schools to the Administration Building for a Student Advisory Committee meeting before Winter Break.

This special opportunity gives our youngest Dragons a voice, allowing them to share what matters most to them and help shape the future of Collierville Schools.
A diverse group of children in green shirts sing into microphones on a basketball court.

Sycamore Chorus Lion Performs National Anthem for the Memphis Grizzlies

The SyCamore Elementary School Chorus Lion under the direction of Ms. Angie Knight had a great National Anthem performance on December 7 at the Memphis Grizzlies game! Great job, students and Ms. Knight!
Three children wearing Santa hats stand by a cart filled with wrapped gifts in a school hallway.

Generous Giving During the Holidays

This holiday season, our Collierville Schools family came together in an incredible way to support our local community. Your kindness and generosity brought joy and hope to so many.

We are proud to be part of a district that truly cares for others. Thank you for making a difference!
 

Stay Updated

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