COVID-19
April 6, 2020
April 3, 2020
TDOE Releases Schedule and Resources for Video Lessons
Airing Statewide on PBS starting April 6th
NASHVILLE, TN—The Tennessee Department of Education is partnering with PBS stations across the state to offer 1st-8th grade students up to 30 hours of standards-aligned instructional lessons per week during times of COVID-19 school closures.
"We know so many Tennesseans have grown up learning from public television and are so grateful to PBS for embodying the volunteer spirit and supporting our students in this critical way,” said Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “We are amazed by the response of PBS and Tennessee’s educators to support at-home learning during these unprecedented times.”
Beginning April 6th, thirty-minute segments will air from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST each weekday on the main channels of each of the six PBS stations across the state-- WNPT Nashville, East Tennessee PBS, WCTE Upper Cumberland, WKNO Memphis, West TN PBS, and Chattanooga WTCI. Additionally, viewers can watch or record up to four more hours of content that will be broadcast overnight.
Broadcast programming, developed by the Tennessee Department of Education in partnership with teachers across the state, will cover English language arts (ELA) and math for first through sixth grades. For seventh and eighth graders, recorded video lessons will be available online starting April 13th.
Accompanying lesson plans and work packets will be posted on the department’s website for teachers and families to use, adapt, and build upon. Access the lesson plans and student work packets at www.tn.gov/education/pbsteaching.
The department will also make all videos available on its YouTube channel after they air.
“It is inspiring to see so many teachers come together to make this possible, and I am honored to be a part of it to provide these lessons for not only my students but also children across the state. As teachers, we are all missing our students and being in the classroom every day together. But just because school buildings are closed, doesn't mean learning must stop,” said Jessica Alley, 7th grade ELA teacher, Christiana Middle School. “This partnership with PBS is one way we can help give all students access to learning opportunities during this unprecedented time.”
This partnership builds upon several preexisting partnerships that some school districts have with their local PBS station. Local listings will reflect individual station schedules and include programming for additional educational content.
Daytime Schedule:
o Monday— 1st and 2nd Grade ELA and Math Lessons
§ 10:00 am CST- 1st Grade ELA
§ 10:30 am CST- 1st Grade Math
§ 11:00 am CST- 2nd Grade ELA
§ 11:30 am CST- 2nd Grade Math
o Tuesday— 3rd and 4th Grade ELA and Math Lessons
§ 10:00 am CST- 3rd Grade ELA
§ 10:30 am CST- 3rd Grade Math
§ 11:00 am CST- 4th Grade ELA
§ 11:30 am CST- 4th Grade Math
o Wednesday— 5th and 6th Grade ELA and Math Lessons
§ 10:00 am CST- 5th Grade ELA
§ 10:30 am CST- 5th Grade Math
§ 11:00 am CST- 6th Grade ELA
§ 11:30 am CST- 6th Grade Math
o Thursday—1st and 2nd Grade ELA and Math Lessons
§ 10:00 am CST- 1st Grade ELA
§ 10:30 am CST- 1st Grade Math
§ 11:00 am CST- 2nd Grade ELA
§ 11:30 am CST- 2nd Grade Math
o Friday— 3rd and 4th Grade ELA and Math Lessons
§ 10:00 am CST- 3rd Grade ELA
§ 10:30 am CST- 3rd Grade Math
§ 11:00 am CST- 4th Grade ELA
§ 11:30 am CST- 4th Grade Math
Overnight Schedule:
Recorded videos covering ELA and Math for grades first through sixth will stream from 1 a.m.- 5 a.m. CST Monday through Friday beginning the week of April 6th.
Online:
o Lesson plans and student work packets: www.tn.gov/education/pbsteaching
o 7th Grade- ELA and Math Lessons starting the week of April 16th
o 8th Grade- ELA and Math Lessons starting the week of April 16th
Other guidance documents and resources developed specifically for district and school leaders are available on the Tennessee Department of Education’s coronavirus webpage: https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus.html.
April 1, 2020
COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will school be closed?
In accordance with our Governor’s request, all Tipton County Schools are currently closed through April 24th. This is a fluid situation, and we will continue to monitor and follow guidance from health care professionals and government officials.
- What are the instructional plans for students during the school closure period?
Schools are compiling learning packets that are being made available to students online or in print. Digital resources have also been shared online at www.tipton-county.com. Schools may also post additional resources and instructional tools (virtual learning opportunities such as Thrivist, Google Classroom, etc.) on their individual school webpages as well as communicate them via social media.
- Are students required to complete the learning packets and/or digital assignments?
The learning packets are an optional opportunity for students to continue learning during this extended school closure.
- Where are meals being served?
Breakfast and lunch pick-up is available from 10:30-1:00 Monday-Friday at the following locations:
Covington High School
Brighton Elementary School
Munford Elementary School
Drummonds Elementary School
Austin Peay Elementary School
Community sites: Boys and Girls Club, Richland Hills Park (Mason)
- What about high school graduation?
The State Board of Education has a special called meeting scheduled for April 9th. Among the topics they will be discussing is graduation. We will provide updates as they are received.
- When is Kindergarten registration for Fall 2020?
Due to school closure, the April 2nd registration date has been cancelled. Pending no further closures, the next available date for kindergarten registration will be May 12th from 8:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. at each elementary school (as noted on the Board approved school calendar).
- When will schools accept PreK applications?
Due to school closure, the PreK application date of April 7th has been cancelled. Pending no further closures, PreK applications will be accepted on May 7th from 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at each elementary school.
- Will we extend the school year to make up for missed days?
The state has waived the 180 instructional day requirement for this school year. There are no plans to extend the school year into summer.
- How will dual enrollment and AP students be affected by school closure?
High schools will be communicating with higher ed. institutions and students to ensure distance learning platforms are accessible for students to continue their studies.
AP teachers will be working with their students remotely to provide instruction and guidance to prepare them for the upcoming AP exam.
- Will ALC students be required to make up their time in ALC before returning to their home school?
This information is forthcoming as we receive guidance.
- How will you handle fundraisers that were already in progress when schools closed?
These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis at the school level for now. Please reach out to your school principal (via email) for fundraiser information.
- How do I request a copy of my child’s transcript?
Contact the principal via email at the appropriate high school.
- How will credit recovery work for high school students who need to participate?
High school administrators/staff will be in contact (as needed) with students who are currently affected by credit recovery situations.
- What about state testing and ACT that was scheduled for this spring?
The Tennessee General Assembly waived end of year standardized tests including TNReady testing, EOC (End-of-Course) tests, and TCAP-Alternative testing. The lack of data from tests will not negatively impact our schools, teachers, students, or district.
We are awaiting further guidance on ACT testing for high school students.
- How will students’ final grades be calculated for this school year?
We are awaiting further guidance on student grading as a result of the extended school closure.
- How do I contact a school principal if I have questions?
Please contact principals via email (addresses provided below):
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Alternative Learning Center |
Steve Zurhellen |
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Austin Peay Elementary |
Jill McIntyre |
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Atoka Elementary |
Lisa Rose |
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Brighton Elementary |
Latoya Avery |
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Brighton Middle |
Sabrina Sneed-Matthews |
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Brighton High |
Dr. Brian Norton |
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Covington Integrated Arts Academy |
Christy Ross |
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Covington High |
Mark McClain |
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Crestview Elementary |
Anne Adams |
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Crestview Middle |
Dr. Christopher Morris |
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Drummonds Elementary |
Shelley Gough |
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Munford Elementary |
Varissa Richardson |
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Munford Middle |
Kathryn Huffman |
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Munford High |
Dr. Courtney Fee |
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Teen Learning Center |
Cetrice Bounds |
- What is the status of extracurricular and athletic events and activities?
School closure includes classes, extracurricular activities, and sporting events as well as School-Aged Child Care.
For information from the TSSAA regarding spring sports, please visit their webpage at https://tssaa.org. We will also keep you informed as we receive updates from TSSAA.
- What does TCS recommend that parents and students be doing during the closure period?
Most importantly, we ask that you follow guidelines concerning social distancing and limited travel/social interaction to remain safe and healthy.
- When is open enrollment for 2020-21?
Open enrollment information can be found on our district webpage at www.tipton-county.com under the “Parents” tab. Click on “Open Enrollment.” Additional information for 20-21 is forthcoming on the webpage link.
March 30, 2020
March 29, 2020
Here is the link for the Partners for Health site. Please click the red and the gold banner for information on the coronavirus response from PartnersforHealth.
March 23, 2020
Click here for some helpful information From Partners for Health for our health plan members.
March 17, 2020
POSSIBLE FOOD RESOURCES
Brighton Baptist Church
132 East Woodlawn
Brighton, TN 38011
901-476-6180
Wednesdays
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church
2105 Hwy 59 West
Covington, TN 38019
901-476-2489
First Presbyterian Church
403 South Main Street
Covington, TN 38019
901-476-2434
Mondays
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church – Covington
145 West Church Avenue
Covington, TN 38019
901-476-9694
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday
Gateway Baptist Church
3/23, 3/25, 3/27 to help our Tipton County families with non-perishables.
Please contact the church prior to coming at 901-837-8087.
Pick up will be from 10-12 at:
Munford Campus
145 Joe Joyner Road
Munford, TN 38058
Covington Campus
101 W. Court Square
Covington, TN 38019
Holly Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church
4538 Holly Grove Road
Brighton, TN 38011
901-476-8379
Munford Methodist Church
57 South Tipton Street
Munford, TN 38058
901-837-8881
Food Pantry on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
St. John Missionary Baptist Church
1998 Atoka Idaville Road
Atoka, TN 38004
901-837-2427
(Vouchers)
If your church or organization would like to be on this list of resources,
please call 901-476-7148.
March 16, 2020
Tipton County Schools will extend school closure through Tuesday, March 31st. As we’ve stated before, this is a fluid situation and we will keep you posted through our webpage and social media as additional details emerge. Thanks!will extend school closure through Tuesday, March 31st. As we’ve stated before, this is a fluid situation and we will keep you posted through our webpage and social media as additional details emerge. Thank
See this video update from Commissioner Schwinn. Thank you to all our district leadership and staff for all your hard work to keep our students safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/eWu5b8PfG8
— TN Dept of Education (@TNedu) March 16, 2020
March 13, 2020
In collaboration with many of our surrounding school systems, Tipton County Schools will take an opportunity to thoroughly deep clean all of our facilities and buses over the course of the next two weeks. As a result, all Tipton County Schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16th, through the end of Spring Break. This closure includes classes, extracurricular activities, and sporting events as well as School-Aged ChildCare.
We know this may be a hardship for some families, and we sincerely appreciate your support and understanding. This decision was not made without an abundance of input from local health representatives.
Please reference specific Health Department and CDC guidelines as posted on our TCS webpage for information and safety precautions.
March 12, 2020
CDC Coronavirus Information
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (English)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html (Spanish)
CDC Handwashing Information:
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html (English)
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/pdf/family_handwashing_esp-508.pdf (Spanish)
Talking to Children About COVID-19:
March 6, 2020
There has been a growing concern in our nation over the Coronavirus. Some of our employees have expressed potential concern, as well, and we would like to share what we know and what we are doing to alleviate as much of the concern as possible.
At this point, it is known that Coronavirus is a respiratory illness with symptoms much like influenza or “flu.” Its primary symptoms are fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms usually appear anywhere between two to fourteen days after exposure. In most people, the illness produces mild to moderate symptoms that do not require hospitalization. However, just like with influenza, the elderly, people with chronic lung conditions and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
There are also some things that we don’t know for sure right now, such as if the virus can be spread by people without symptoms , or how long the virus can remain on nonliving surfaces like doorknobs and bathroom faucets. Our cleaning staff is disinfecting thoroughly every evening to make sure our buildings are as germ free as possible.
In addition to keeping our environment as germ-free as possible, the following tips are standard best practices to avoid and limit the spreading of ANY type of germs:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth
- If you have a cold, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches or fever, please keep to yourself as much as possible, or do not come to work if you are running a fever or feel that you may be contagious
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Fear, panic, and misinformation can be just as dangerous as an outbreak itself.
For additional information we encourage you to seek a reputable source of news, such as the Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ or the
World Health Organization. Tennessee-specific information can be found on the website at TN.gov/health. We will continually update Tipton County Schools’ website under Latest News as information is received.
Our priority is our students and we are doing everything we can to make sure they are protected from harm of any kind.
-TCS Admin