The following are frequently asked questions about the Jackson Madison County School System during the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to Rachel Scott, JMCSS’ Leader of Professional Development & Media Relations.
General FAQ
When will students return to school?
On April 15th, 2020, the Governor of Tennessee recommended that all schools in the state close for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. In alignment with this request, JMCSS schools will remain closed for classes.
Will we still have prom and graduation?
All school events scheduled for 2019-2020 have been canceled. Graduation plans are being discussed and will be communicated in the coming days.
Will they still charge for before and aftercare while schools are closed?
All weekly before and aftercare payments will be suspended while schools are closed during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you paid for the week of 3/23/20-3/27/20 in advance, we will credit that payment to your account for the week that we return or, if you prefer a refund to your account, please email gccarver@jmcss.org.
Will athletic events continue?
Information on athletic events can be found here: https://tssaa.org/tssaa-events-activitiesimpacted-by-covid-19
How can I find out the latest information from JMCSS?
We will continue to update our website at www.jmcss.org/coronavirus with updates related to the COVID-19 school closure. For current students, we will be sending all-calls with district updates as needed. For current staff, the primary means of communication is your JMCSS email account. Additionally, we will continue to update our district app, Facebook page, and Twitter account also.
What if I am not receiving all calls?
Please contact Holly Leisey (haleisey@jmcss.org) with your student’s full name, school, and your contact information. Additionally, please make sure you have registered your students for the 2020-2021 school year so that when the data rolls over in the coming weeks, we will have updated contact information.
Is Central Office open?
Central Office is closed to the public, but is still staffed to answer phone calls/emails.
Are School Buildings Open?
At a minimum, all school buildings will have an administrator present to open the school building daily for two hours, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. M-F. This allows office staff to come in and process transcripts, pay invoices, return office phone calls from the previous day, and complete other tasks that need to happen at the school building.
My student has supplies or materials that are still at school. How can I pick those up?
We are working on a plan and will communicate this with families once a procedure is in place.
Teachers
What are the expectations for teachers during this time?
At a minimum, all teachers and certified staff are expected to be available for parent/student interaction for 2 hours per day (M-F). This should be virtual “office hours” where teachers are available from home via phone or email. Teachers are responsible for communicating their office hours with their students so that parents and students know how and when they can expect to get in touch with their teachers.
Are teachers allowed in the school building at this time?
Teachers may come during open hours (9-11 a.m.) as needed to pick up personal items, laptops, etc., however, staff inside each building will be limited to a maximum of 10 people at any given time. A sign-in sheet should be kept at all times with either one person noting as people come in/out, OR everyone may sign themselves in using their own ink pen to avoid multiple people touching the same pen.
What about teacher evaluations?
On April 9th, 2020, the Tennessee State Board of Education passed emergency rules regarding the following for this school year:
• LOE scores will NOT be generated for the 2019-20 school year. The number of evaluations for 2020-21 will be based on 2018-19 LOE scores.
• Observations that are not completed for 2019-20 are not required and will not occur.
• Observations that were in progress prior to closure will not be completed.
• Pre-K, K, 1st grade, and Fine Arts teachers will not need to complete portfolios for this year.
Academics
Are there any academic resources available now?
For available academic resources, visit our website: https://www.jmcss.org/Page/2564. High schools are providing work packets for the core subject areas, and K-8 schools will be using iReady which is available online or in a hard copy packet. Please contact your school for more information.
Do student still need to complete online work/packets with school being closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year?
Our focus is providing access to meaningful activities. Teachers will remain in contact with students 2-3 times per week and schools will provide packets through May 25th for ongoing learning. Students are encouraged to complete the work to remain consistent in their learning during the closure.
Will student work be graded?
Teachers will provide feedback in their weekly communication to students. Grades can be entered for students who need specific remediation as long as it improves the overall grade. No adverse action can occur during school closure.
Do I turn in hard copies of the student work packets?
No paper documents are being accepted at this time. Please hold on to all work until a final decision is made on taking this work in.
How can my student access their district email?
They can log in at https://portal.office.com, or use the Office 365 link on the “Find it Fast” section of the district website. The email and password are available in student and parent PowerSchool accounts when accessed on an internet browser on computer or phone (NOT visible on the PowerSchool phone app).
How can I get work for my students when they have no transportation?
Teachers will be in contact to discuss the best method of receiving work (internet or pickup).
Will students start the next grade level in 2020-21?
Students who need additional assistance can receive that with their teacher(s) during weekly scheduled communication. No adverse action will take place against students during school closure. Students will start the next grade level in the fall and the JMCSS academics team will provide needed remediation plan at that time for skills missed during the spring 2020 closure.
Will students need a laptop to complete work?
Teachers will be in contact to discuss the best method of receiving work (internet or pickup).
How do we turn in work that is complete?
Each school will communicate their process for distributing and receiving student work.
Will ESY services be provided for students with disabilities through distance learning?
Participation will be based on the end of year IEP recommendations and more information will be forthcoming.
School Nutrition
What is the district’s plan for feeding students during the school closure?
We plan to continue meals through the original school year’s last day for students, May 21, however this is dependent on the availability of staff and food/non-food supplies. For details on meals available during this time, go to our website: https://www.jmcss.org/Page/2563
How can I get food for students when they have no transportation?
Students do not need to be present in order to receive a meal, however, someone must be present to pick up the meal for them. Additionally, RIFA’s Bus Stop Café is delivering meals to some apartment communities around Jackson as well.
Why can’t you use buses to deliver food?
The uncertainty in numbers and available market food supply dictates the program starting out with the selected school sites. As needs for school-age students grow, additional sites may be added based on demand and bus transportation may be considered as the situation progresses.
Can I go to any location to pick up meals?
Yes, you can pick up meals at any listed location, regardless of school zone or grade level.
Why aren’t all the schools open for food pick up?
The uncertainty in numbers and available market food supply dictates the program starting out with the selected school sites. As needs for school-age students grow, additional sites may be added based on demand.
Registration and PowerSchool
What if I need records from my child’s school?
Records are housed at the schools. School offices are currently closed and there is not staff available to get records at this time. If you need vaccination records, you should contact their health care provider where the shots were administered.
Can I send registration documents via email?
We are not accepting documents via email at this time. If that situation changes, we will communicate with families.
How can I register a new student during the school closure?
Right now, the online portion of registration is open and new students can be registered online at www.jmcss.org/register. At this time, we are not accepting registration documents. If you need assistance with registration, please call your school office between 9:00-11:00 a.m. and school staff will be available to assist over the phone.
Can I still register for Pre-K?
While our in-person Pre-K registration event was canceled, you can apply online at www.jmcss.org/register. You can gather required documents and more information about turning in documents will be provided at a later date.
What if I need to reset my PowerSchool password?
Please call your school office between 9:00-11:00 a.m. Staff will be able to assist over the phone during that time.