Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year

Dear MSE–Mendenhall Families,

Principal Relista Ward and the staff of Memphis School of Excellence–Mendenhall are excited to welcome new and returning families to the Eagle community for the 2026–2027 school year!

MSE–Mendenhall is committed to providing a safe, joyful, and academically challenging environment where every student feels known, supported, and connected. Throughout the year, the school will focus on consistent expectations, meaningful instruction, strong relationships, and active partnerships with families.

Meet Principal Ward

Principal Relista Ward is in her 11th year with Memphis School of Excellence and her third year as principal of MSE–Mendenhall. Throughout her career, she has served students and families as a science teacher, school counselor, Dean of Academics, and Director of Special Programs and Elementary Education.

These experiences have strengthened her belief that every child can succeed when schools and families work together to set high expectations, provide meaningful support, and create a safe and joyful learning environment. Principal Ward is committed to being visible in the school community, setting consistent expectations, communicating openly, and leading with care.

School Goals and Priorities

During the 2026–2027 school year, MSE–Mendenhall will work with families to:

• Provide safe, joyful, and academically challenging classrooms.

• Strengthen academic growth across all grade levels.

• Provide additional support for students who need it.

• Improve middle school achievement, with particular attention to seventh-grade performance and social studies.

• Increase student attendance to at least 96%.

• Maintain clear and consistent schoolwide expectations.

• Strengthen communication and partnerships among students, staff, and families.

• Ensure every student feels known, supported, and connected.

The House System

Every MSE–Mendenhall student and staff member belongs to one of four houses. Each house represents a core value.

• Courage (Red House) means facing challenges with confidence and standing up for what is right.

• Community (Yellow House) means building connections, supporting others, and working together.

• Excellence (Blue House) means giving one’s best effort, pursuing high standards, and celebrating growth.

• Integrity (Green House) means making honest choices, accepting responsibility, and doing what is right.

Students earn house points by demonstrating positive character, making responsible choices, showing academic effort and growth, maintaining strong attendance, and contributing to the school community.

Partnering With Families

Families are essential partners in student success. They can support their children by helping them attend school every day and arrive on time, reviewing school communications, reinforcing expectations at home, attending school events, and celebrating their children’s effort and progress.

The school encourages families to stay connected through ClassDojo and other schoolwide communication platforms. Clear and timely communication helps families and staff work together to give students consistent support.

Principal Ward and the MSE–Mendenhall staff are grateful for the trust families place in them and look forward to all that students, families, and staff will accomplish together this school year.

With Eagle Pride,
Relista Ward
Principal, Memphis School of Excellence–Mendenhall