Courtesy of JMCSS
This week marks the beginning of a new school year for students in the Jackson-Madison County School System, according to a Tuesday news release from JMCSS. Although the rise in COVID-19 cases earlier this month necessitated the shift to virtual instruction, teachers in the district were thrilled to see their students for device pick up and orientation on Monday.
“It was amazing to finally interact with students face-to-face after such an unexpected and long summer break,” said Tiffany Matzek, a kindergarten teacher at Arlington Elementary. After temperature screenings and COVID related questioning, families were allowed to enter buildings at the elementary school level as testing and observations took place to gauge accommodations needed for students at the K-3 level.
Safety procedures were increased at the middle and high school levels as teachers and staff members at North Parkway and Liberty Tech met families outside their respective schoolhouse doors to assist with the deployment of devices and packets. “They’re getting schedules, their virtual kit; which includes textbooks, library books, dry erase boards, and all the necessities they’ll need for virtual learning,” said Tiffany Spight, principal at North Parkway Middle School. “If they have asked for a device, they’re also picking up their devices today,” Spight said. Although scheduling and device pickup plans are unique to each campus, the outcomes were similar. “It was perfect,” said Carolyn Brown, a computer applications/dual credit teacher at Liberty Technology Magnet High School. In addition to assisting with device pickup, Brown spent several inservice days teaching her peers how to navigate and use Microsoft Teams. “We can and we will educate students,” Brown said.
“I am thankful for the support families have shown our schools as we journey through this pandemic,” JMCSS Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said. “The partnership between schools and families has always been important. It’s certainly critical this school year,” Dr. King said. “Although we’ll have some hiccups, please know that we are doing everything on our end to address them as quickly as possible,” Dr. King said. Visit jmcss.org and the New Normal Initiative page to see Back to School week schedules for our JMCSS schools – including updated information for CyberSchool students.