Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year

Dear MSE–Mendenhall Families,

Welcome to another exciting school year at Memphis School of Excellence–Mendenhall! Whether your family is new or returning, I am honored to welcome you to our Eagle community.

At MSE–Mendenhall, we are committed to creating a safe, joyful, and academically challenging environment where every student feels known, supported, and connected. Throughout the year, we will remain focused on consistent expectations, meaningful instruction, strong relationships, and productive partnerships with our families.

A Little About Me

I am honored to serve as the principal of MSE–Mendenhall. This is my 11th year with Memphis School of Excellence and my third year as principal. Throughout my career, I have served students and families as a science teacher, school counselor, Dean of Academics, and Director of Special Programs and Elementary Education.

Each of these roles has strengthened my belief that every child can succeed when schools and families work together to provide high expectations, meaningful support, and a safe and joyful learning environment. My commitment is to lead with visibility, consistency, transparency, and care.

Our Goals and Priorities

During the 2026–2027 school year, we will work together 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 a focus on seventh grade 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.

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Our House System

Every student and staff member belongs to one of four houses:

• Courage – Red House: Facing challenges with confidence and standing up for what is right.

• Community – Yellow House: Building connections, supporting others, and working together.

• Excellence – Blue House: Giving our best effort, pursuing high standards, and celebrating growth.

• Integrity – Green House: 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 our school community.

Partnering With Families

Families are essential partners in student success. You can support our shared goals by ensuring your child attends school every day and arrives on time, reviewing school communications, reinforcing expectations at home, attending school events, and celebrating your child’s effort and progress.

Please stay connected through ClassDojo and our other schoolwide communication platforms. Clear and timely communication will help us remain aligned and provide our students with consistent support.

Thank you for trusting us with your child. I am excited about everything we will accomplish together during the 2026–2027 school year!

With Eagle Pride,

Principal Relista Ward
MSE–Mendenhall PreK–8

Aligned • Consistent • Accountable