JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County Director of Schools Jennifer Fields announced Friday that the Campbell County Schools distance learning application is now live.  The link can be accessed at  www.campbell.k12.tn.us

Here is the story from Tuesday night’s Campbell County Board of Education meeting:

The Campbell County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a reopening plan for all county schools on the scheduled reopening date of August 5. The plan will cover all grades in K-12 and contains provisions for any students with “qualifying criteria” such as underlying physical conditions.  Watch the meeting HERE on demand.  See the full plan HERE.

Among the highlights of the plan:

* Schools will open in the traditional manner on August 5, but students and parents will need to be flexible as information related to COVID-19 changes daily.

* All employees and students will have temperature checks upon entry and any student showing symptoms including a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be sent home or to a quarantine/isolation room.

* Hand-washing breaks, teaching and following of hygiene practices and hand sanitizer in all classrooms & common areas. Face masks are encouraged but not required and students will use individual supplies such as crayons, pencils, etc. and bring water bottles to be filled at water-filling stations.

* No field trips or assemblies for the 2020-21 school year, no use of school facilities by outside groups.

* Students testing positive for COVID-19 or sent home due to symptoms or a fever or having been kept out of school for symptoms must have a medical note before being allowed to return to school.

* Virtual instruction will be provided as an option during extended closures or for students with qualifying criteria such as being immune-compromised.

* Special intervention classes will be taught for any students falling significantly behind.

* Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge to all students and social distancing will be practiced in serving and dining areas. Parents and guardians will not be allowed to eat with students until further notice.

* Visitors will be permitted by appointment only and must have health & temperature screening upon entry.

* All buses will have hand sanitizer available and sanitized after morning and evening routes. Shared family seating will be implemented where possible.

Faye Heatherly asked when ipads would be available for those students qualifying for virtual instruction. Director Jennifer Fields replied, “Within ten days of signing up.”

The board also voted to approve the Edgenuity Program as the virtual learning program for grades K-12. The board was told that virtual learning is expected to be in high demand but students must present proof of qualifying medical conditions.

Also approved unanimously was Telehealth/Blue Life as a virtual healthcare program available for all students. The program comes with no cost to Campbell County as it has already been available through TennCare but just now being put into effect.

Finally, the board also voted for an emergency suspension of school board policies during the 2020-21 school year. Director Fields pointed out that numerous policies, such as those covering use of facilities by outside groups, would need to be suspended in order to accommodate COVID-19 changes.

One new policy that will need to be changed involves student discrimination, harassment and intimidation, board attorney Dail Cantrell explained. A recent ruling by the Tennessee Supreme Court involving gay/transgender students is expected to result in schools around the state getting “inundated by lawsuits” until competing protected classes are sorted out in court.      (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/15/2020-6AM-UPDATED – 07/17/2020-3PM)

7 Replies to “School distance learning application is now live”

  1. The board still has not said anything about social distancing so tell me how to go about home schooling

  2. Is there going to be social distancing? I think masks should be required! I have worked hard on keeping my family safe during this pandemic.

    1. I have to agree with Sharon about the students being required to wear a mask. I have a first grader and there hasn’t been any problem with my child wearing the mask. There is no way social distancing can work with the younger children. They like to give hugs and interact with other children. To be honest. The thought of my child being in the classroom again scares me. So far covid-19 has only killed my brother who was 68. I don’t want my child to contract this disease when it can be prevented.

  3. I am a parent that was just diagnosed with MS! My husband works in knoxville. So what does this mean for my family! If we don’t send our children we get sent to court! What is wrong with doing the packets or online or even regular home schooling? Aren’t we supposed to be trying to contain the virus not spread it! It sounds like the Campbell county don’t care about us by sending us to court all we are trying to do is protect our kids and stop spreading the virus.

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