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September Newsletter: The Collierville Connection

Posted Date: 09/01/26 (10:15 AM)


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

September 2026

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
  • Race for the 'Ville Information
  • Homecoming Parade Application
  • 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 and Staff,

As we settle into the rhythm of a new school year, I continue to be grateful for the people who make Collierville Schools such a special place. Each day, I see students eager to learn, dedicated staff members, and families who are invested in the success of our schools.

September's Capturing Kids' Hearts character focus is empathy. Across our schools, students will spend time learning about the importance of understanding the experiences and perspectives of others. These conversations help reinforce the positive relationships and strong sense of community found throughout Collierville Schools.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we build on a great start to the school year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Russell Dyer
Director of Schools
 

What's for Lunch?

Collierville Schools Menus
 

Important Dates

  • September 3 - High School Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • September 4 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (Professional Development Day)
  • September 7 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
  • September 10 - Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • September 15 - Board of Education Work Session/Business Meeting
  • September 17 - Elementary School Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • October 1 - Homecoming Parade at CHS
Collierville Schools Calendars
 
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

Sign up TODAY for The Race for the 'Ville!

The 11th Annual Race for the 'Ville, benefitting the Collierville Schools Family Resource Center, is now open for registration! Whether you are a seasoned runner ready to add another 5k to your bucket list or not a runner at all, we have many options for how you can help support the Collierville Schools FRC!
Early Bird Registration closes on Friday, October 9th, but participants can still register until Friday, November 6th at 12 PM. Participants will not be able to register on the day of the race.
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Start and finish at West Collierville Middle School
Races: 5k, 1-mile Family Fun Run, Spirit Runner
 

Join the 2026 CHS Homecoming Parade

The CHS Student Government Association is excited to invite your clubs, teams, organizations, and school groups to participate in the 2026 CHS Homecoming Parade on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your school spirit and be part of one of Collierville's favorite Homecoming traditions! Whether your group wants to march, decorate a vehicle, carry banners, or create a float, we'd love to see you represented.
Participation is FREE for all Collierville Schools and school-sponsored organizations.
📅 Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Let's come together to make this year's Homecoming Parade bigger and better than ever!
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Homecoming Parade Application
 

Around the District: Events, Highlights & Happenings

Staying connected to what matters most in our schools—our students!
A portrait of Jenna Burke, a STEM teacher at Sycamore Elementary School and TDOE Teacher of the Year Finalist.

Jenna Burke Named TDOE Teacher of the Year Finalist

Collierville Schools is proud to announce that Jenna Burke, STEM teacher at Sycamore Elementary School, has been named a Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalist, earning one of the state's highest honors for educators.
The recognition continues a historic run for the district, marking the second consecutive year that a Collierville Schools educator has been selected as a state finalist following Collierville High School’s Dr. Brandi De La Cruz's recognition as Tennessee Teacher of the Year in 2025.
Burke was recognized for her work creating hands-on STEM learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, collaborate, communicate, and solve problems through real-world projects and design challenges.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year winner will be announced during the Excellence in Education event on Oct. 1 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.
A young person in a Scout uniform sits on a newly built wooden bench outside a brick building.

Collierville High Senior Dedicates Eagle Scout Project to Sycamore Elementary

Collierville High School senior Parthip Dileep dedicated his Eagle Scout Project to Sycamore Elementary School, constructing new benches at the front of the school and picnic tables near the walking track. Thank you, Parthip, for using your talents and leadership to create lasting spaces for Sycamore students, families, and staff to enjoy!
A woman in a maroon t-shirt with 'Collinsville Unified' on it holds up a lanyard with an ID badge.

Brittany Clark Named Tennessee’s Unified Track & Field Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Collierville High School teacher and coach Brittany Clark, who has been named Tennessee’s Unified Track & Field Coach of the Year for 2026 by the TSSAA!

Unified Sports, an athletic program co-supported by the TSSAA and Special Olympics Tennessee, provides opportunities for CHS students both with and without intellectual disabilities to participate jointly in the sports of bowling, track & field, flag football, and game day cheer. Thank you, Coach Clark, for your commitment to providing such opportunities to all students at CHS.
Two women stand in front of a castle-themed mural at Collierville Elementary School, featuring house banners.

Dragons Support Dragons

Collierville Elementary School got a fresh new look this summer, and one of the highlights is the beautiful new mural in the cafeteria.

What makes it even more special is that it was created by Dragons, for Little Dragons. A huge thank you to Collierville High School art teachers Jennifer Harants and Annette Smythe for bringing this project to life and creating something our students will enjoy for years to come!

The mural also honors Collierville Elementary's history. The legacy mark created by Lisa Ackermann in 1992 has been preserved and now hangs proudly at the center of the artwork as a special banner.
A group of six people stand on a stage with a blue backdrop, some holding awards.

CHS Teacher Allison Collier Presented with Inaugural Marilyn Barnes Green Excellence in Teaching Award

The John Green family and the Collierville Education Foundation presented CHS teacher Mrs. Allison Collier with the inaugural Marilyn Barnes Green Excellence in Teaching Award during the annual Collierville Schools Back-to-School Bash.

Mrs. Collier teaches AP U.S. History and U.S. History at Collierville High School and was named the school's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Her students consistently excel, earning a remarkable 100% pass rate on CLEP exams and a 93% pass rate on the AP U.S. History exam.

Congratulations to Mrs. Collier on this well-deserved recognition!
The DreamWorks Theatrics logo above the title 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Musical Jr.'

How to Train Your Dragon, Jr.: The Musical Tickets Available

The CHS Theatre Department kicks off another exciting season with a stage adaptation of the DreamWorks Animation hit movie How to Train Your Dragon, Jr.: The Musical. Epic adventure, big laughs, and fire-breathing action are all in store as unlikely heroes Hiccup and Toothless fight against the odds to save both their worlds. Tickets are available here for five performances.
 

Stay Updated

For the latest news, updates, and resources, please visit:
School-Specific Pages: Visit your school’s homepage via the district site for tailored updates.
Athletics Updates: https://www.godragonsgo.com/
 
Collierville Cares Line
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Burch Library Events
Collierville Schools logo with children in the background.