COVID plans for school closure

(Aug. 31, 2021) - As we approach one month into the new school year, we all remain committed to safe, in-person learning with as little disruption as possible for our students, our schools, and our community. Tennessee parents deserve clear, open communication as they determine what is best for the health and education of their children. With that in mind, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has provided districts with some flexibility as we continue to educate students through the perils of COVID-19.

School districts may request a waiver from the TDOE if they can demonstrate and document COVID-related needs in their school communities that necessitate a temporary shift to remote instruction for classrooms or entire schools. This waiver process is not required for individual students on quarantine to receive remote instruction.

Below is the current White County Plan (edited 8.31.21)

• COVID infection rates in the schools are monitored daily and reported to the local health department.

• If numbers rise to unreasonable rates, a decision may be made to close a particular class or school.

• The entire district may not be closed under this waiver process.

• There is no specific number/ percentage, just a point where in-person learning becomes unproductive.

• If closure is necessary, school communities will be notified days in advance in order to prepare.

• Teachers will utilize Google Classroom to post videos and assignments.

• Teachers will provide limited live instruction and have office hours during the day to answer questions.

• Online tutoring will also be available after school via Google Meet with teacher volunteers.

• The school closure will last for no more than 5 school days.

• Please note, any school closure includes the closure of extracurricular activities including athletics.

• Our expectation is that these waivers will be used sparingly.

White County Schools firmly believes that in-person instruction is the best for kids. There are proven strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and we continue to encourage the wearing of masks, good hygiene practices, and social distancing when possible. Please do your part to help stop the spread of the virus.

Parents should report positive covid test results to the nurse or principal so that absences can be excused.

If your child has any of these symptoms please keep them at home:

• Loss of taste or smell

• Fever of 100.0 or higher. Must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication (ie: Tylenol/Motrin)

• Vomiting or diarrhea (symptoms must be resolved for 24 hours before returning to school).

• Severe headache with known positive exposure to Covid-19.

• Body aches and chills with or without fever.