CMCSS Reopening Update August 2020

August 27, 2020

Please note: This article was originally posted during a previous school year. Information and/or dates from past events
may be not be relevant for the current school year.

Please see below for several reopening updates for all students with sections below for CMCSS K-12 Virtual and traditional-specific updates.

The first half day of school is Monday, August 31 with an additional half day on Tuesday, September 1. The first full day of school will be Wednesday, September 2. 

Due to the ever-changing circumstances of the pandemic and production time and costs involved, CMCSS is not sending printed calendars to homes this year. To view a printable PDF version of the District Calendar, click here.

Updates for ALL families:

Safety and Health

Awaiting COVID-19 Test Results: It is critical that you do not send your child to school if they are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test or are exhibiting a new on-set of symptoms related to COVID-19. 

Return to Work/School Flowchart: This important document guiding employees and students on when it is acceptable to come to school is regularly updated as the Tennessee Department of Health updates their guidance. To view the most recent document, click here. 

As a reminder, If someone in the household tests positive for COVID-19, the student must quarantine an additional 14-days after the 10-day quarantine, as determined by the Montgomery County Health Department. During this time, students will be able to access instruction through the remote-learning platform. 

Self-Screening: Self-screening is an essential tool in the mitigation of COVID-19 in schools this year. CMCSS students and staff should self-screen each morning, prior to arriving at any CMCSS facility. Please watch the following video:

Contact Information: It is critical that all CMCSS families make sure their PowerSchool information is up-to-date, to include a working phone number and/or email address. In the event of a COVID-19 closure of a classroom, school, or other school-related organization, CMCSS will be using the information in PowerSchool to contact families. If you have not been receiving phone, text or email notifications, please contact your child’s school to update your contact information. Additionally, if you change numbers or email addresses throughout the year, please make sure you notify your child’s school.

Technology 

CMCSS families received communication Wed., Aug. 26 regarding technical support and troubleshooting issues surrounding student laptops. Traditional students still experiencing laptop issues should bring their laptop to school on Mon., Aug. 31 so CMCSS staff can provide assistance. 

CMCSS K-12 Virtual and students who may transition to the remote learning model in need of technical support can access the online support page by clicking here.  

Child Nutrition

Families are encouraged to pre-load their meal payments on SchoolCafe.com in an effort to limit physical contact in the cafeteria. 

CMCSS K-12 Virtual students are able to pick up meals on a weekly basis from their child’s enrolled school. Click here for details.

All CMCSS students, traditional and virtual, who may be eligible for free and reduced meals should apply online at SchoolCafe.com.  

Reminders for CMCSS K-12 Virtual families only:

Parents and Learning Mentors received communication earlier today regarding training and reminders for the beginning of school. You can reference that information by clicking here. 

Reminders for Traditional families only:

Laptops: Traditional students need to bring their laptops to school for the first half day on Mon., Aug. 31. 

Water fountains will be taped off, placed out of order, and unavailable until further notice. Students should bring enough bottled water with them to last the entire school day. Touchless water bottle filling stations can still be utilized. However, these stations are not available at all school locations and it is not feasible for providing water for an entire school. The district will continue to explore options for hydration. 

Face masks: CMCSS is following guidance from the Montgomery County Health Department, Tennessee Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and President Trump’s Administration in addition to guidance from local pediatricians and other local healthcare experts who have advised the CMCSS Communicable Disease Team in regards to requiring masks inside school buildings and on buses when physical distancing cannot be maintained. The following are important highlights from the CMCSS requirements:

• All students utilizing CMCSS transportation are required to wear masks while on the bus.
• All students (general education and special populations in elementary, middle, and high school) are required to wear masks in all common areas, and anywhere in the building where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including classrooms.
• All employees are required to wear masks in all common areas, and anywhere in the building where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including classrooms. 

Parents and guardians should watch the following video with students and discuss proper face mask use: 

Transportation: Students using CMCSS buses should arrive at their assigned bus stop at least five minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. Bus stop information was mailed to families and is available here. 

There will be increased safety and health precautions for CMCSS transportation this year. Students will have assigned seats and must wear masks on the bus. Please watch the following video to better understand expectations: