At Berclair Elementary, the school day began not with math drills or spelling tests, but with a lesson on something far more urgent: safety. Students leaned forward as their teacher, Tammie Chapman, wrote four phrases on the board in bold letters — Stop. Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.
It was the first glimpse of a new districtwide initiative, one that Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) leaders hope will save lives.
In September, all MSCS schools are rolling out a new gun safety curriculum, a move that comes during Gun Safety Awareness Month and in step with Tennessee’s new law.
For Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond, the decision is rooted not in policy but in people. Over the years, he has spoken with families devastated by gun violence — parents who have lost children, children who have lost friends. Their stories sit heavy with him.
“This is not just a curriculum; it’s a necessary conversation for our community,” Richmond said. “We are committed to creating safe learning environments and helping students understand the importance of making safe decisions.”
The curriculum is designed to grow with students. For the youngest learners, it teaches the fundamentals: don’t touch a gun, walk away and tell a trusted adult. For middle and high school students, it expands into deeper discussions about choices, responsibility and how their decisions can ripple through the community.
Teachers like Chapman welcome the effort.
“As an educator, my greatest responsibility is to positively impact my students by equipping them with knowledge and ensuring their safety,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of this program.”
But MSCS leaders know the classroom is only one piece of the puzzle. On September 18th and 19th, the district will host community forums to bring parents, teachers and neighbors together. Families will also receive newsletters with tips for continuing these critical conversations at home.
Dr. Amy Maples, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, believes this shared approach is essential.
“At the end of the day, this is about keeping our children safe in school, at home and in the community,” Maples said. “By working together with families, teachers and law enforcement, we can make firearm safety a shared responsibility.”
The effort, she added, is not about politics but about empowerment. By giving students clear, age-appropriate tools, the district is equipping them with knowledge they can carry beyond the classroom.
For Dr. Richmond, the vision is long-term. The lessons being taught today, he believes, are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s safer, stronger communities.
“Our mission is clear: every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive in a safe environment,” he said. “When students understand safety, they are not just protecting themselves, they are shaping safer communities for all of us.”
As Chapman’s class wrapped up, a hand shot into the air. “So if I see a gun,” a student asked, “I just leave and tell an adult?”
“That’s right,” Chapman replied. “And that choice could save your life or someone else’s.”
In that simple exchange, the heart of the new curriculum came to life: knowledge, awareness and the hope of a safer future for every child in Memphis.
