With the uncertainly that’s loomed for last three weeks as schools have closed for safety during the pandemic, administrators and officials with the school board have been asked a lot of questions.
Here are answers to 19 of the most frequently asked questions.
1. How long will school be closed?
In accordance with our Governor’s request, all Tipton County Schools are currently closed through April 24. This is a fluid situation, and we will continue to monitor and follow guidance from health care professionals and government officials.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Where are meals being served?
Breakfast and lunch pick-up is available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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)
5. What about high school graduation?
The State Board of Education has a special called meeting scheduled for April 9. Among the topics they will be discussing is graduation. We will provide updates as they are received.
6. When is Kindergarten registration for Fall 2020?
Due to school closure, the April 2 registration date was been cancelled. Pending no further closures, the next available date for kindergarten registration will be May 12 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at each elementary school (as noted on the board approved school calendar).
7. When will schools accept PreK applications?
Due to school closure, the PreK application date of April 7 has been cancelled. Pending no further closures, PreK applications will be accepted on May 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at each elementary school.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. How do I request a copy of my child’s transcript?
Contact the principal via email at the appropriate high school.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. How do I contact a school principal if I have questions?
Please contact principals via email (addresses provided below):
- Alternative Learning Center: Steve Zurhellen, szurhellen@tipton-county.com
- Austin Peay Elementary: Jill McIntyre, jmcintyre@tipton-county.com
- Atoka Elementary: Lisa Rose, lrose@tipton-county.com
- Brighton Elementary: LaToya Avery, lavery@tipton-county.com
- Brighton Middle: Sabrina Sneed-Matthews, SSneed-Matthews@tipton-county.com
- Brighton High: Dr. Brian Norton, bnorton@tipton-county.com
- Covington Integrated Arts Academy: Christy Ross, cross@tipton-county.com
- Covington High: Mark McClain, mmcclain@tipton-county.com
- Crestview Elementary: Anne Adams, aadams@tipton-county.com
- Crestview Middle: Dr. Christopher Morris, cmorris@tipton-county.com
- Drummonds Elementary: Shelley Gough, lgough@tipton-county.com
- Munford Elementary: Varissa Richardson, vrichardson@tipton-county.com
- Munford Middle: Kathryn Huffman, khuffman@tipton-county.com
- Munford High: Dr. Courtney Fee, cfee@tipton-county.com
- Teen Learning Center: Cetrice Bounds, cbounds@tipton-county.com
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
