Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools will introduce a new gun safety curriculum for K-12 students as required by Tennessee law. The curriculum, tailored by physical education teachers, will educate students on firearm safety in an age-appropriate manner. With a rise in gun violence, the district aims to promote safe behaviors and responsible decision-making regarding firearms. Community forums are scheduled to address parent concerns about this mandatory education.
Memphis โ Starting Monday, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) will implement a new gun safety curriculum for K-12 students, as mandated by Tennessee law. The curriculum, aimed at educating students about firearm safety, will be taught by Physical Education (P.E.) teachers throughout the district.
P.E. Teacher Tammy Chapman from Berclair Elementary has been designated to customize the curriculum for district-wide use. The curriculum includes age-appropriate lesson plans that promote an understanding of gun safety rules in a supportive group setting, allowing teachers to use their established rapport with students to enhance learning.
According to Dr. Amy Maples, MSCS Director of Curriculum and Instruction, there is a pressing need for guidance that is both age-appropriate and free from anxiety across various educational levels. The objectives of the curriculum differ depending on the studentsโ grade levels. Key focuses include maintaining safety at home and school, making informed decisions about firearms, and knowing what actions to take in the presence of a firearm.
Students in kindergarten through second grade will learn critical terminology, essential safety rules, and engage in role-playing scenarios aimed at understanding what to do if they encounter a firearm. For grades three through five, more advanced instruction will reinforce initial lessons while emphasizing demonstrating a responsible attitude towards firearms. Students in grades six through twelve will receive deeper insights into proper firearm storage practices, alongside statistics about gun-related incidents in Tennessee.
This new curriculum comes in response to a troubling rise in gun violence in the Memphis community, with Tennessee recently ranking third in the nation for accidental shootings involving children. This year alone, there have been 65 reported shootings in Memphis that involved children aged 17 and under. The district has expressed a critical need for structured education on gun safety given these alarming statistics.
While Tennessee law does not permit parents to opt out of this gun safety education, opinions among parents are mixed regarding the curriculum’s appropriateness in schools. To address concerns and provide clarity, MSCS will host community forums on September 18 and 19 to discuss the new curriculum with parents and other stakeholders.
The instructional sessions will span approximately one week per round. Notably, the curriculum will not involve the use of real firearms during any teaching activities. Additionally, MSCS intends to supply families with resources that promote ongoing discussions about gun safety at home.
Overview of Gun Safety Curriculum
| Grade Level | Instruction Focus |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten – 2nd Grade | Basic terminology, safety rules, role-playing scenarios |
| 3rd – 5th Grade | Reinforcement of initial lessons, maturity in handling firearms |
| 6th – 12th Grade | Proper firearm storage, statistics on gun incidents |
Conclusion
The implementation of this curriculum seeks to decrease the frequency of gun-related incidents among children, focusing on responsible behavior and awareness around firearms. By leveraging the established relationships between educators and students, MSCS aims to create a safe environment for learning about this serious subject.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the new gun safety curriculum in Memphis-Shelby County Schools?
The curriculum is designed to educate K-12 students about gun safety, to promote responsible behavior, and to reduce the risks associated with firearms.
Who will be teaching the curriculum?
Physical Education teachers across the district will be responsible for teaching the age-appropriate curriculum.
What do students in lower grades learn?
Kindergarten through second-grade students will learn key terms, safety rules, and participate in role-playing scenarios to prepare them for handling situations involving firearms.
What age groups receive more advanced instruction?
Students in grades three through five will review initial lessons with a focus on maturity regarding firearm handling. Grades six through twelve will learn about proper storage practices and gun-related incident statistics.
Are parents allowed to opt out of the gun safety curriculum?
No, state law prohibits parents from opting out of this instruction.
When will community discussions about the curriculum be held?
MSCS will host community forums on September 18 and 19 to engage with parents and stakeholders about the new curriculum.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting at Evergreen High School
Concerns Mount Over Safety in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Significant Title IX Violations Uncovered in Memphis Schools
Armed Attack at Germantown High School Raises Security Concerns
Levi Elementary School Temporarily Locked Down After Shooting Nearby
Lockdown at Levi Elementary School in Memphis Following Gunfire
D.C. Schools Begin Year Amid Increased Law Enforcement
Fatal Shooting in Southaven Leaves Community in Shock
Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau Raises Awareness for Animal Welfare
Tennessee Highway Patrol Enhances School Bus Safety Enforcement
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Tennessee Lookout
- Wikipedia: Gun Safety
- Google Search: Gun Safety Education
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
