Governor Bill Lee has recommended all public schools remain closed until April 24 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Lee made the recommendation during his daily update on Tuesday, March 24th. He originally asked that schools remain closed through March 31, 2020.
Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn issued the following statement, “This is an unprecedented time for our country and state and we thank Governor Lee for his leadership in protecting the health and wellbeing of Tennessee’s students and teachers. We know school closures represent a significant disruption for families and students and the recommendation to extend them has not been considered lightly.”
“The Department of Education team will continue to work closely with our districts as they serve students and families during this time. We are committed to doing whatever we can to support our district leaders as they make the necessary decisions to ensure students can continue to access critical meal and other services, as well as receive high-quality academic instruction while they are out of school.”
The Tennessee Department of Education will continually update guidance to school districts posted on our website: https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus.html .
According to Director of Schools, William F. Curtis, now with this second recommendation of the governor we will be closed through April 24th. Cannon County Schools will now open on Monday, April 27th. These types of closures are unprecedented in modern Tennessee and United States History.
The Cannon County Schools Team is now on-notice they have entered ‘Stage 3’ on the COVID-19 Timeline. We will begin the process of re-evaluating how instruction will be delivered to our students. This delivery of instruction will occur in multiple ways, and the Cannon County Schools Team will be working with Tennessee Department of Education Officials, as to the type of instruction the system will be offering to the 2,000+ students of Cannon County Schools through April 24th. School officials are asking for your patience and understanding during this unique situation for Cannon County Schools.
Parents/Guardians are reminded regarding the School Nutrition Program which is offering FREE meals to all children 18 years of age and under, beginning on Thursday, March 26th, 2020. All are eligible to receive meals, but MUST be present to get meals per Federal Requirements.
The distribution of children’s meals will begin on Thursday, March 26th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM and each Monday and Thursday following from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM on each of those days. Meals will be provided until Cannon County Schools are back in session. The location of the meal distribution sites are:
• Auburn School, 150 Vantrease Avenue, Auburntown
• East Side School, 970 Old McMinnville Highway, Woodbury
• Short Mountain School, 5988 Short Mountain Road, Woodbury
• West Side School, 3714 Murfreesboro Road, Readyville
• Woodbury Grammar School, 530 West Adams Street, Woodbury and
• Woodland School, 8383 Jim Cummings Highway, Bradyville.
Cannon County High School is not a feeding site, however, any Cannon County High School Student can pick up meals at any elementary school in Cannon County!
COVID-19 Timeline Revised: 03-24-2020
Stage 1 – March 16th – End of Spring Break – Our initial response.
Stage 2 – March 23, 2020 through March 25th, 2020 and how we respond and get acclimated to this ‘new educational environment.’
March 23, 2020 – Stockpile Day 8
March 24, 2020 – Stockpile Day 9
March 25, 2020 – Stockpile Day 10
Stage 3 – March 26th, 2020 – April 24th, 2020.
During this Stage, CCHS Senior Trip which would have occurred April 19th, 2020 – April 25th, 2020 will be postponed. Remote Delivery of Instruction to Students will occur.
Stage 4 – April 27th, 2020 through May 22nd, 2020.
If school is still closed into Stage 4, there will be the possibility of postponements of major activities such as CCHS Prom – May 8th, 2020, CCHS Graduation – May 15th, 2020, PreK – Kindergarten Graduation, 8th Grade Graduation, and End of Year Trips for the Elementary Schools.