November 14, 2025
As we approach the season of giving and celebration, we’re reminded of the joy that comes from God’s presence and His promises. Even amid life’s challenges, His joy is constant and sustaining. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10 We’re excited to share this week’s updates and invite you to join us in celebrating our school community and growing in joy together!
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No School | Thanksgiving Break November 24 – 28, 2025
This is a reminder that there will be no school November 24–28, 2025 for Thanksgiving Break. We hope you enjoy this time to rest, recharge, and spend quality moments with loved ones. Classes will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Out of Uniform | Christmas Sweater Thursday, December 4
There's no time like now to celebrate the Christmas season.Your scholar is permitted to wear their favorite Christmas sweater (with their professional school bottoms) for $1 on December 4, 2025. All proceeds will support our middle school cheerleading team. Let's spread some holiday cheer, together!
Chapel | Joy Monday, December 1
Join us for Chapel as we begin our December Core Value: Joy. As we enter this season, we’re reminded that true joy comes from the hope and peace we find in Christ, no matter the circumstances. Please join us from 9:45–10:45 AM as we worship together, celebrate this month’s focus, and share in the joy of our school community.
Merit Madness Wednesday, December 3
Students who have earned a "Merit Madness" t-shirt during the '25-'26 school year are permitted to wear their Merit Madness t-shirt with their uniform-compliant pants/skirt and shoes.
College Representative | Southwest Community College Tuesday, November 18
A representative from Southwest Community College will be on campus to meet with high school students and share information about academic programs, admissions requirements, scholarships, and career pathways. This is a great opportunity for students to ask questions and learn more about the opportunities available after graduation.
Out of Uniform | Blue Numbers Thursday, November 20
Students who wish to participate in this fundraiser for the Mu Alpha Theta and National Diabetes Awareness must pay $1.00 to wear a blue shirt or sweatshirt with a number on it.
Policy Highlight | Late Homework Policy
Students are expected to turn all work in on time. Tests, projects, quizzes, classwork, and any major assignments may be turned in late with an accumulating 10% deduction each day for five school days. After five school days, the assignment may earn a maximum grade of 50%. Accepting late work beyond five days is up to the teacher’s discretion.
Students who miss work because of an excused absence will receive the opportunity to make up missed work. The number of consecutive days a student misses is equal to the number of days the student has to gather missed work and submit the work for credit. For example, if a student is absent two days in a row, upon return the student has two full days to complete and submit missed work. It is the student’s responsibility to get work missed due to illness or excused absence. Students who make the choice of not turning in assignments could receive the following based upon school policy:
After-school detention
No credit
Exclusion from school activity
Communication with parents
Temporary CSM Food Bank
At Collegiate, we believe deeply in our Core Value of Community. We show up for one another, especially when life brings unexpected challenges. We understand that you may be facing a season where accessing consistent meals has become difficult. As a school family, we want to help fill the gap with dignity, care, and respect. If your family is currently facing this need fill out the form below by clicking here to receive assistance. Once we have more to share we will send another message.
November Tuition Late Fees Waived
October 29, 2025
Per the Tennessee Department of Human Services website, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed in November due to the federal government shutdown. While families can continue to use any remaining or unused benefits currently on their EBT card, no new benefits will be added in November.
We understand that the loss of SNAP benefits may create unexpected financial hardship for CSM families. Collegiate is actively working with partner organizations to coordinate meals and food pantry resources to support our families. More information about available food pantries will be shared in our newsletter on Friday.
Given the current circumstances, all late fees for November tuition will be waived. This means that no family will be charged late fees for November tuition, even if tuition has not been paid by November 10 or November 24.
Students are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Trista Tate, School Counselor, and families are encouraged to reach out to Mr. Sabas Moya, Family Engagement Specialist, for additional assistance or support at the contact information below.
Ms. Trista Tate, School Counselor
ttate@collegiatememphis.org
Mr. Sabas Moya, Family Engagement Specialist
smoya@collegiatememphis.org
Our hope is that we can come together to support one another during this challenging time. We continue to pray that God places a hedge of protection around each member of the CSM community.
Blessings,
McKenzie Cohen, Ed.D.
Head of School
Local Food Resources
If your family has been affected by the pause in SNAP program funding, click here to view a list of food pantries in the Memphis area that are providing assistance to families. Furthermore, the City of Memphis has included resources on their website as well.
Federal & State Public Safety Officials
We want to acknowledge the multi-agency initiative currently taking place in the Memphis community involving members of the National Guard, Highway Patrol Officers, and agents from multiple federal agencies. We understand that the presence of additional law enforcement agents in our city may feel unsettling for families.
The City of Memphis has created a webpage with information about the goals of this federal action, as well as guidance for families. In addition, Latino Memphis has resources on their website with suggestions on what to do if approached by a federal agent.
At Collegiate, our highest priority remains the safety and well-being of our students. As stated in our Family Handbook: “As an independent school, our entire campus is private property. Government agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers do not have access to our campus or our students while they are on our campus without a proper federal judicial warrant.” (Family Handbook, p. 21). Additional information about Collegiate’s Student Safety and Privacy Policy is available upon request in the Business Office.
We also recognize that events in the wider community can create feelings of worry or stress. Our School Counselor, Ms. Tate, is available to provide support for students who may need someone to talk to. Families are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Tate at ttate@collegiatememphis.org if their child would benefit from additional care. Mr. Moya, CSM Family Engagement Specialist, is also available to support families as needed. Families can reach Mr. Moya at smoya@collegiatememphis.org.
2025-2026 School Calendar
As you are considering traveling out of town and making appointments during the 2024-2025 school year, please plan around our school calendar. It is important that students do not miss school for appointments and travel. Absences during first and second semester exam weeks will not be excused.
Please note the dates for Spring Break 2026 have been updated on the Academic Calendar to match M-SCS. Spring Break 2026 is March 16 - 20, 2026.
As always, please feel free to email any member of the CSM Faculty and Staff if you need assistance.
Blessings!
Sabas Moya
Family Engagement Specialist
The Collegiate School of Memphis
3353 Faxon Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122
phone: (901)591-8200
"The mission of The Collegiate School of Memphis is to prepare young ladies and gentlemen for college success within a highly structured, nurturing, Christian environment."
