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October 31, 2025

As we enter November, let’s be reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In times of uncertainty or worry, we can find peace knowing that God is with us—strengthening, guiding, and holding us firm through it all. Let’s step into this month with faith and confidence in His care.

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New Information

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

Parent Volunteers Needed to Support a Temporary Food Bank for CSM Families

In light of SNAP benefits not being distributed in November, CSM is currently exploring ways to support our community during this time.

We are considering options to distribute food boxes to CSM families in need and are currently seeking parent volunteers to help with organization and distribution of donated food items. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mr. Moya (smoya@collegiatememphis.org or via Talking Points).

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.

Day light savings | Sunday, November 3

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 3 as Daylight Saving Time ends. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep and make sure you’re on time for everything next week!

CSM AV Club Picture day | November 4

Join us Monday, November 4 at 3:30 PM in the Cougar Den for Picture Day—featuring senior portraits and group pictures!

Group photos: $5 each
Single photos: $4 each

All proceeds support the A/V Club.

Please note: Senior portraits taken at this event do not replace the required senior portraits from Holland Studios.

Come capture some memories and support the AV Club!

CSM Merch has Arrived!

Collegiate is offering scholars and family members an opportunity to purchase Collegiate School of Memphis merch shirts. If you are interested in purchasing a sweatshirt or long sleeve t-shirt for anyone in your family, please complete this order form to let us know which item and size you will be needing. Let us know which items you want now and pay later at the Cougar Store when your items arrive.

Order Form: https://forms.gle/EAqDv3qwYyAu5HYz5

Contact Ms. Alvarado (talvarado@collegiatememphis.org) if you have any questions.

All orders due by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Reminders

Merit Madness Wednesday, November 5

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.

Policy Highlight | After School

Students at Collegiate are encouraged to be involved in sponsored extracurricular activities. Scholars who are not actively involved in the after-school academic program (ASAP), tutoring, or an approved extra-curricular activity must be picked up immediately after school dismissal. It is the guardian’s responsibility that their child be picked up after dismissal in a timely manner. Furthermore, CSM faculty and staff are not available to supervise students after school unless the students are active participants in tutoring or an approved extra-curricular activity.

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."