As additional updates become available from schools across Crockett County concerning COVID-19, we will update this link to help parents and students keep track of factual information released by the schools.
Please review here for previous coverage of COVID-19 and information provided by the Crockett County School System, Alamo City School and Bells Elementary School.
MARCH 16 ALAMO CITY SCHOOL STATEMENT
ACS will close through April 3, 2020. We will send more information later. -Principal Kelsie Henning
MARCH 16 BELLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STATEMENT
Bells City School will be closed through April 3. There will be more details to come later this week regarding plans for our students while we are away from school. – Released from Principal Brooks Rawson
MARCH 16 PRESS RELEASE
Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on School Closures
NASHVILLE, TN – Today, Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement on Governor Bill Lee’s announcement around school closures:
“We thank Governor Lee for encouraging school districts to close through the end of the month in order to protect the health and wellbeing of Tennessee’s students, teachers, and entire communities across the state.
The Department of Education team has been working overtime to communicate with districts and issue guidance to help them make plans and decisions to ensure a continuation of academic instruction as well as critical meal and other services for students during times of school closure.
Together with district leaders, our department’s top priority as we move forward is ensuring that students can stay healthy and have all the supports they need to continue learning.”
The 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
The Department of Education also set up a hotline for district leaders 629-888-5898 or toll free 833-947-2115. The hotline is available Monday- Friday 6:30 am – 4:30pm CT.
MARCH 16 PRESS RELEASE
Governor Lee Issues Statement Regarding Statewide School Closure
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement regarding statewide school closure:
“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest. Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.”
On Friday, March 13, The Crockett County School System released this statement.
To the Families, students, and Faculty of Crockett County Schools,
As spring break approaches during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Crockett County School System urges you to carefully monitor the situation at your travel destination if you choose to take a trip over the break. With diagnosed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Williamson, Davidson, and Shelby Counties, and other states and countries, we are asking the community members report to school officials any plans to travel in these areas. Information provided to us by the families within our school system will be used to monitor health symptoms by students who have traveled in the affected areas. Our school system has a plan in place should anyone in our county become infected. Whether you travel over spring break or stay home, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to infectious agents. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help you stay protected:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Do not share drinks, food, or eating utensils with others.
CCSS will notify you if we close school because of Coronavirus concerns. As we leave Friday for spring break, please take any books or items you might need to complete classwork at home. We will carefully monitor the situation and will contact you and your family when decisions are made by the district via phone call, website, email, and social media outlets. Thank you all for your continued support and patience as we work through this together. Have a safe and enjoyable spring break!
Sincerely,
Phillip Pratt
